The Order of Things

[CorvusFarm]

OK, so here is a quick question for you regarding ordered chicks and purchased chicks.

I have a plan for a total of 50 chicks this February. I've already placed an order for 40, which will be arriving via USPS the week of the 12th. The other 10 or so chicks will be purchased from the folks I've always purchased babies from. There is a lot of joy in going and choosing peeps in person, and it allows friends and family to be part of the process.

The question is this: would you purchase the additional 10 in-person peeps before or after the others arrive? I can see pros and cons to both, ranging from illnesses and integration (though at that age, it won't be as big of an issue) and potential age discrepancies (though of only a day or two).

Have at it!

And thanks for the input.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would get the large batch settled in first. The 10 added in a day or two shouldn't matter as far as behaviors. The risk of disease transmission will always be there though no matter who you add first.

 

[CorvusFarm]

I would get the large batch settled in first. The 10 added in a day or two shouldn't matter as far as behaviors. The risk of disease transmission will always be there though no matter who you add first.

Thanks. I tend to agree. I also can see if there are any losses from the large batch that way. I was thinking that it might be nicer for the incoming peeps, as they're being shipped, to have a couple birds who were already there to show them the ropes, as it were. But I'm guessing that, in the end, that won't be that big of a consideration.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Whoever is there first may take a bit of aggressive stance with any new ones added. It's nothing like adult aggression, but I've seen it when adding chicks to the brooder as they hatch. I see it more after the chicks are 24-48 hours. There can be pecking and chasing.

Your shipped chicks will show up needing to eat, drink, recover, and warm up. Other more boisterous chicks may interfere with that. Those you go pick up won't have that 2-3 days of travel in a box. They will be more vigorous, and prone to trouble making from the first day.

 

[chickens really]

I would ask the people that the 10 are coming from what diseases or issues their Birds have had in the past 2 years also...Not that people will always tell the truth though...

 

[chickens really]

We all do as we want with our Birds...This is my story...I had ordered 32 Heritage Hatchery Chicks..Different breeds.
I then Traded some Chicks under 5 weeks for Awesome Orpintons from a friend...His passed ILT to my Flock..I took the risk and now my Birds are carriers and require more management to keep them healthy...Depends on the risk your willing to take..?

 

[aart]

As long as they are all 'day olds' and arrive with a couple days of each other, it shouldn't matter either way as long as you have lots of space and plenty of heated space for them all.

 

[chickens really]

As long as they are all 'day olds' and arrive with a couple days of each other, it shouldn't matter either way as long as you have lots of space and plenty of heated space for them all.

Not arguing but was told that young Birds with no immunity to transferable disease should be separated..

 

[aart]

Not arguing but was told that young Birds with no immunity to transferable disease should be separated..

Was focused on integration behavior, not biological quarantine.

 

[chickens really]

Was focused on integration behavior, not biological quarantine.

Oh....I see..
All things should be considered though...