Introducing baby chick to other baby chicks

[renaenae]

I recently purchased 12 baby americauna chicks. My dad has ONE black australorp chick. Mine are 3 days old, his is 11. Is there a problem with introducing them right now? I haven't seen his, so i'm not sure how big it is, but mine obviously are pretty small. If it's ok, how do I go about it. Are they young enough to just put him in the brooder box with the others and let them be?? I just feel really bad his chick is all alone and both my parents work all day, so it's not getting any holding or attention. Any suggestions would be great!!

 

[Judy]

Usually, if they are under about three weeks it should work OK. There may be some squabbles but hopefully nothing that draws blood.

 

[Naughty]

I'm actually going to try that tonight with some that about a week apt - but i am waiting until they go to bed for the night - so here's hoping it works

 

[N&MSchroeder]

It really shouldn't be a problem at this age.

Just watch them for a while after putting them together.

 

[Naughty]

I just put 4 babies from tsc with my chicks of 2 wks - and they just cuddled together - we'll see how they feel when they get out in the morning.

 

[BrattishTaz]

I had one chick killed and another scalped by a a pair of BO chicks that are only 2 weeks older than they were. I would use extreme caution if the older chick is much larger than the others.

 

[debid]

I've got mixed-age babies -- two weeks of range and all obtained at the same time. I took a deep breath, threw them together, and watched carefully. The bigger ones are showing the little ones all of their tricks and everyone is getting along. FWIW, one of the two-weekers is a BA and she's verrrrrrrry calm and not at all pushing anyone around.

 

[Shanda]

When I started, I bought 3 chicks. The next week, I bought 3 more and added them. The next week, 3 more and added them. And finally the next week, 3 more and added them. I was concerned, but I just watched when I could and tried to break up any fights I saw. It went fine and they all got used to each other.

 

[SeaHen]

One out of 3 of my EE eggs hatched on Easter, so yesterday I went to the feed store and bought the chick 3 companions (2 EEs and a White Rock). Today I put my teenaged Andalusian pullet, who had been sharing a dog crate and yard with the Silkies, in the brooder with the 4 baby chicks, and it was love at first sight! I would never have anticipated things working out so well, and I guess it doesn't often happen like this, but they think she's Mom, and she took to that role like it was created for her. She's still a baby herself!

 

[renaenae]

Thanks for all your input. I will be bringing the chick home tomorrow night--it will be pretty late so hopefully everything will be fine at least until morning. I"ll watch for a bit before going to bed and have the hubby watch while i'm at work the next day. we'll see how things go. Thanks Again!!!