Newbie

Hi, I've really enjoyed reading fellow members threads and info surrounding chickens! I'm an expat living in Bulgaria, and will be getting some chickens in a couple of weeks, I'm soooo excited, hubbie doesn't share my enthusiasm, he has helped fix up an old shed for their coop and fenced off an area for their run though. I will be buying the chickens ready for laying ( I've already waited 2+ Years and don't want to buy youngsters that aren't ready yet) there are just 3 of us in my family, I'm thinking of starting with 3 or 4 chickens, do you think this will be ok?

Hi

Glad you could join the flock! How exciting for you to be starting out on your chicken adventure after 2 years of waiting I would start with four as the chicken math can soon take over and you would want to add more to your flock! Here is a lovely section of the learning centre https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/getting-started-raising-chickens Lots of articles for getting started. I'm sure once you have your chickens your Hubbie will come round to the idea more. They are very addictive and the chicken TV is great.

Wishing you the very best of luck, be sure to ask any questions everyone here to help and very friendly. Enjoy BYC

Thanks for the welcome Yorkshire Coop!
I'll take a look at that link, thanks for that. I think the chicken tv will be great too, especially with the warmer weather arriving and I'm sure hubbie will come around to them, he won't be having to clean them out, so what's not to enjoy? And free range eggs to boot!

My family were a bit unsure of the chickens at first (even though I was doing all the work), but once they started laying eggs they loved them! Eggs from your own chickens are much better than ones you buy at the shops! 4 is a perfect number. I started out with 4 and its so lovely! Lovely time of year to get them. Chickens are worth the wait!xx

Thanks lovechickenss, I think I'll definitely get four, you've helped me make my mind up! If it weren't for going back to the UK next week for a week, I'd be getting them right now! Still, it gives me something to look forward to for when I get back

congratulations on your plans to get your own flock.

How many to get does depend on the space you can provide for them and how many eggs you hope for will depend on the breed laying tendency, broodiness and age of the flock.

I would suggest you research the breeds appropriate for your situation and pay attention to the number of eggs they average, figuring in how many eggs you will want per week. There are differences in individual pullets/hens even in the same breed on how well they lay. But when broody your egg counts will drop. There are on line info listing this data, My Pet Chicken has breed characteristics search and other hatchery sites have the info as well. You can post the question of what breeds offer the best egg production under egg laying and behavior to get more input.

I agree with the comment that likely your family will get more enthusiastic after you accomplish getting the chickens. They are surprisingly more fun to raise than most people expect. And less work to care for than many other pets. And IMO no one can overcome the excitement of gathering those eggs.

Good luck in your selections, feel free to ask questions.

So glad you decided to join us.

So glad you joined the Backyard Chickens flock Hope you will enjoy BYC as much as we do.

Thank you all for making me feel so welcome! I do have quite a good area of space for them, and will be happy with what ever they can lay for me! If I get too many I can always sell or give them away and when they are not so forthcoming I can do without. I guess at the beginning there's a bit of a suck it and see element too.

Hello and Welcome To BYC!