What do you do?

[enggass]

Ok. Here's the scenario.
I will be using the Brinsea Octagon 20 Eco to hatch 24 eggs next Spring. I also need to hatch another 8 eggs just after the first batch because obviously I cannot hatch them all at once.
When doing successive hatches, at what point can I put my newbies with the first batch in the brooder? They will 3 weeks apart in age... What do you all do? Besides buy another incubator:/

 

[debilorrah]

Use a piece of chicken wire in between the two hatches in the brooder for a few days so they get to know each other.

 

[enggass]

That's what I was thinking - at least for a week or so+/-. Has anyone tried this successfully?

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
Over and over and over and over again. See my BYC page for integrating babies with adults.

 

[enggass]

I do keep mine indoors in the brooder for the first 8 weeks. Then I move them outside.
I see in the pic the birds are somewhat older.
Do you think a wire separation in the brooder itself with new chicks vs 3 week old chicks would allow me to integrate them all within the brooder after a period of time but before moving them all outside together?

 

[debilorrah]

Quote:
Yep it should only take a few days when they are that young. My chicks will be 4 weeks old when my newly hatched ducklings hit the brooder.

 

[enggass]

Thanks for the advice!

 

[debilorrah]

No problem!! Enjoy them, they don't stay small long enough for my liking.

 

[gryeyes]

Quote:
Over and over and over and over again.

Yup, yup, yup. Works great.