We have a town ordinance that limits us to 6 chickens, no roosters. I want to have 4 chickens because it would be a good start, an easy initiation into this crazy world!
4 definitely seems like a good number to start with
We kind of leaped into it with 9, now 8, haha
Better than the 10-15 I used to think I wanted though
I think you'll be happy with 4.
I don't have Rhode Island Reds but do have 1 Barred Rock, 2 Black Australorps, 3 Buff Orpingtons, and 2 Easter Eggers and LOVE them. The BA's used to be a little mean but have settled down some. The Barred Rock and one EE in particular are extremely personable and always come up to me to chat. Can't pick em up but they're friendly. One EE wants to be friendly but is real skittish and shy. The Buff Orpingtons let me hold them and everything. You will love them!