When are chicks too old to add a newbie?

[BirdHead]

I have 2.5 weekers, 1.5 weekers, and .5 weekers all in the same brooder and they are just fine, the younger ones just spend more time in the heated area. My biggest one is an EE that actually covers and cuddles my little ones. I've didn't add just one at a time though... Just my personal experience

As those are more docile breeds however I had raised Ameracuanas & EEs that were a week or so older then the Cornish trio I had with them, they got along alright but there was still a pecking order and the Ameracauna pair of chicks would hog the feeder first and at times shoved the cornish away of their business as they got older.

 

[BirdHead]

Thank you! I am very glad I tried it and I haven't seen any aggressive behavior whatsoever, so I'll leave without worrying. At this point they've been together all morning without conflict so hopefully that means we're in the clear. They are actually all snuggling together now, it's pretty cute

Have fun with them chickees, if the older do get any aggressive with the younger birds I would recommend separating if they do not get along as they age and reintroduce later if wanted. Don't need any birds to get pecked at or abused as it ruins them mentally as well.

 

[saraem]

Have fun with them chickees, if the older do get any aggressive with the younger birds I would recommend separating if they do not get along as they age and reintroduce later if wanted. Don't need any birds to get pecked at or abused as it ruins them mentally as well.

Yes, if I see any aggression I will put the divider back in and try again without it when they're closer in size.

 

[BirdHead]

You could always find another chick or so similar in size, other than that you got it down and they'll grow out of it. I never divided mine even if they created a pecking order the younger ones would just stick together and wait for the chance to get feed and water without the older ones on their tails unless they're game it's a must. Wish you luck