Are 4 hens enough for my family of 5?

[2overeasy000]

That is exactly what we do. 13 laying hens for us 2. We haven't had to pay for feed, corn, bedding and etc in months.

 

[2overeasy000]

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That depends on if you think around 18 eggs a week is enough for you.

 

[JulieNKC]

You are asking the masters of chicken math if 4 is enough? Never, of course I would add 2 more if I were you, lol.

 

[abejita]

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and I tend to be a little over zealous on most things that I do...

 

[cmom]

I agree. You will be getting around a doz and a half to two doz eggs a week. It really depends on what your needs are.

 

[SoORchick73]

LOL, you all crack me up! Ok who has had their cholesterol checked lately??? lol

So I cant just add two hens that are already laying in with my flock? I thought you couldnt add chicks to a flock easy, but you cant add adults with adults? Oh dear...Just when I think I know something....

 

[cpwhip]

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lol I know!!! I'm new to the chicken keeping and I have 11 Red sexlink!!!! and theres only myself and DH!
I guess we'll be eating eggs morning ,noon,night

 

[JohnCT]

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Uh oh, and I was going for 12/14......

 

[Nigellas]

We had 4 hens for a long time for our family of 4 and we rarely had enough eggs. Someone was always broody, or injured, or cranky or whatever. We ended up adding 2 more and hopefully that will be enough.

 

[Nigellas]

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I'd added adult hens several time just fine. Put them in at night. They'll be at the bottom of the pecking order for a month or so, but things will even out eventually.