Mixing day old chicks from different hatcheries...bad idea, no?

[SDOH]

Hello,
I purchased 6 chicks from Meyers Hatchery in Ohio that are to arrive in June. They were sold out of lavender orpingtons - which is one I very much wanted for my first flock. I found Chesapeake Hatchery in MD and they have LOs available, along with most other breeds I purchased sans blue cochins. Of note, we are driving from Virginia to pick up the chicks from either location. I am sure shipping is fine, it is just not something that we are comfortable with.

My question (I think I already know the answer), what measures would need to taken if we had the first order from Meyers and the second from Chesapeake? Keep them in two separate brooders in different locations for X days/weeks? The hatch day would be the same for both hatcheries.

 

[horror_trashcan]

If you mean day old chicks I don't see a reason why you need to separate them, unless one of the hatcheries is having a disease/pest problem I reckon you can put them all together.
Someone with better knowledge may have a different answer however.

 

[saysfaa]

I would put them all together from the start.

 

[Predoggg]

I had hatched chicks mixed with store chicks and all was fine. No problem. Just make sure there is not a too much difference of age and size.

 

[SDOH]

I had hatched chicks mixed with store chicks and all was fine. No problem. Just make sure there is not a too much difference of age and size.

Sounds good. There are 6 and most (orp, cochin, FBCM, australorpe, barred rock, light brahma) are the same size with the exception of the light brahma.

 

[Predoggg]

I have raised standard breeds with giant jersey or light brama chicks and it went fine. All were the same age.

 

[rosemarythyme]

As long as the chicks are close in age and from reputable hatcheries there's no need to brood them separately.

 

[sniper338]

Age matters more... a week can be alot.. max age difference.

 

[SDOH]

Age matters more... a week can be alot.. max age difference.

Ugh. I suspected as much. It would be easiest to collect them a week a part. However, for the reasons you've stated, we are now discussing me driving to MD and he will go to Ohio....all to avoid shipping (which simply freaks me out).

 

[Ridgerunner]

what measures would need to taken if we had the first order from Meyers and the second from Chesapeake? Keep them in two separate brooders in different locations for X days/weeks? The hatch day would be the same for both hatcheries.

I think you are talking about diseases, quarantine, and biosecurity. I consider chicks from a major hatchery to be extremely safe from a biosecurity viewpoint. I would not hesitate to mix them immediately.