Two week old chicks and new babies!! Same brooder???

[Yardbirds286]

I have two, 2 weeks old BR's, and I am getting 6 more, standard chicks this week. BO's and BA's. I am new to this so I want to do the best I can for my chicks. My question is should I put them all together in a new BIG brooder, or keep them separate for a week or so until the new babies are settled from being shipped and eating well? Is it better to introduce them as young as possible? Or wait until they are 3 weeks and one week old? I have had a few suggestions already but I am still uncertain about this situation. Any ideas would be great.

 

[Gonzo]

I would seperate them. the smaller guys will probally be picked on.

 

[Yardbirds286]

What age would be a good age to put them together? My thought was the bigger they are the harder it will be.

 

[nelgkel]

when I went to the chicken farm...he told us that we could put them together if they were within one month of age...
if it were me I would try now as it would be easier the younger they are...I would think...
I am not experienced though, look forward to reading other answers from experienced chicken owners

 

[chicmom]

My hatchery says that you can put them together with a three week age span. I think they'll be fine....just keep your eye on them for a bit though....

 

[kathyinmo]

I hatch alot, and have many that are a week apart, 2 weeks apart, etc. What I do ..... I keep them alone for a week (because they sleep alot and are more fragile). Then, I put them together, up to about 2 weeks apart in age. 3 weeks would probably be okay, but I would watch carefully and see how they do.

 

[whytedragon]

I put some of my chicks together in with Silkie chicks, and they did fine for weeks. But I had Orpingtons with the Silkies, and the Orps were pretty calm. I wouldn't trust my Production Reds or Mixed Standards with my Silkies though when they get a bit older...they're so fiesty!
The Orps never pecked at my hands, but the mixed and PR's do!

 

[Yardbirds286]

Great advice. I really appreciate the response. They will be almost exactly 2 weeks apart in age. The chicks I have now are a week old yesterday. I was wondering about the difference in temp. as well.