Are 4 hens enough for my family of 5?

[SoORchick73]

Since 2 of our chicks turned out to be roos, I am left with 2 red sex links and 2 SLW. There are 5 of us and just want them for our family. Would you add two more laying hens into this flock or leave as is? if I were to add two laying hens should I wait til my other girls are laying...they are 19 wks, or add them now? Thank you!!

 

[Zaxby's2]

Unless you want a surplus of eggs 4 hens should be plenty enough to provide your family eggs. Right now we only have 3 hens that are laying and we have plenty of eggs.

 

[hcppam]

yes that should be enough unless you eat eggs morning ,noon and Night.

 

[Auscal]

It really depends on how many eggs your family of 5 would eat.

I think it is reasonable to expect 5-6 eggs per week from a red-sex link, and 4 per SLW. So, when they are all matured and laying (and, if they are 19 weeks that will be very soon), you could conservatively expect 18-20 eggs a week from your 4 hens.

In your shoes, I would leave things as they are. And, if you need extra incentive, read some of the threads where members are really struggling with integrating extra birds into a flock.

 

[StrayMagnet]

Quote:
This is a good thread to think about. I have momma hen and 11 chicks.. I do not intend on keeping them all even thou I realy want to, but I decided keeping 4 hens and momma will be pleanty. then get a roo. so I can have more chicks later on.

but as to how many eggs a family of 5 would eat! lol I'm a family of 7 and there are weeks I go thru 2 18 packs, in one week.. esp when they get on French toast with scrabble kicks lol. so we'd go thru them eggs FAST!! lol

but also like said.. it depends on what your also comfortable having. and can take care of.

 

[abejita]

You mean to tell me that nine hens for two people might be too much?

 

[StrayMagnet]

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naaawwwwwwww 4 1/2 chickens per person is NO way to much

.
I think its only to many if you Think its to many.. and Im starting to think chickens are just like Tatter chips.. you can never have just 1 lol

 

[Yay Chicks!]

It really does depend on your egg eating habits. I eat an egg every morning. If your family ate eggs for breakfast most days, then 4 hens would not be enough. And if you do a fair amount of baking... And if you want to give any to your friends...

 

[This_chicks_place]

Quote:

Unless you LOVE quiche!

 

[abejita]

Hubs and I eat 1-2 dozen eggs a week. We REALLY like eggs and I bake a lot (and we DO like quiche!)

I have hopes of selling a couple of dozen a week to help pay for their supplies.