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Mixing chicks from different farms
Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2016 10:01 am
by tpaq1972
Has anyone bought chicks from 2-3 different places and brood them together in the same box?
I am worried about the cocci as it is different from all places. Are they born with cocci or would they only get it gradually as they aged?
I am looking at chicks from 3 different places, all chicks would be less than 1 week old and would be put on medicated feed. Do you think there would be any problems?
Mixing chicks from different farms
Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2016 10:26 am
by goatgal35
Many years ago we hatched out a bunch of chicks. We the bought chicks from a different source, brought them home and put them with the chicks we already had. Within a few days I had sick babies and with in a week all chicks were dead. I have also bought chicks from several sources and brooded them together successfully. I guess it depends on the health of the chicks you are mixing together. Good Luck.
Mixing chicks from different farms
Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2016 11:07 am
by WLLady
it would be in your interest to not mix vaccinated and non-vaccinated chicks....make sure either they are all vaccinated, or none of them are. But yes, you can mix bunches of chicks...precautions about health status suggested by goatgal35!!!! i always feed mixed chick flocks a medicated starter feed from day 1, so cocci are taken care of. I've had several batches/broods do just fine.
Mixing chicks from different farms
Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2016 11:11 am
by ross
goatgal35 wrote:QR_BBPOST Many years ago we hatched out a bunch of chicks. We the bought chicks from a different source, brought them home and put them with the chicks we already had. Within a few days I had sick babies and with in a week all chicks were dead. I have also bought chicks from several sources and brooded them together successfully. I guess it depends on the health of the chicks you are mixing together. Good Luck.
Agree .. If any disease in one bunch it will spread to others from other bunch . Lucks
Mixing chicks from different farms
Posted: Tue Apr 05, 2016 11:15 am
by Home Grown Poultry
very good point about vaccinated birds... i didnt think of that at all!
Mixing chicks from different farms
Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2016 9:44 am
by la-chicken
Vigour of chicks needs to be considered as well. Mixing less vigour chicks within the flock could create stress on the chicks and the chicks will not thrive as they should.
Mixing chicks from different farms
Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2016 2:46 pm
by G Williams
It's not a "Best Practice". You can get away with it, but not always. It depends on the disease profile of the different flocks.
Mixing chicks from different farms
Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2016 3:44 pm
by tpaq1972
I think I have decided against this. Not worth the risk. I will just have to buy more from the same person! lol
Mixing chicks from different farms
Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2016 4:23 pm
by ross
tpaq1972 wrote:QR_BBPOST I think I have decided against this. Not worth the risk. I will just have to buy more from the same person! lol
Good move . Luck
Mixing chicks from different farms
Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2016 4:26 pm
by Killerbunny
Probably the best idea.