I have 10 sixteen week old pullets and 2 almost one week old chickies in the brooder! I'm thinking of getting a couple more chicks so when it is time to integrate the two groups the attention is spread out. I will integrate them slowly so they get a chance to get to know one another. Maybe I am just looking for a reason for more
. Will the number of chicks matter?? Opinions please....
I am brand new to this and so far I have found them to be quite addicting! I want egg layers and bug eaters.... so I have gotten an odd assortment of chickens. I know I want to have 20 hens and drew the line at that. DH refuses to add any more to the chicken run/coop and I think 20 hens and 1 roo will be comfy in the 12x30 run with an attached 10x12 coop. I don't want cramped chickens! So I guess maybe that would be a determining factor for you?
Before I became addicted to chickens I was addicted to Koi fish and ponds. I have a pond that is 12' x 6' x 3'. The way you start a pond is to purchase feeder goldfish and put these in the pond for the first 6 - 12 months or less depending how anxious you are. The pond will cycle through many phases and if your conditions change drasticly and you lose a few fish they are only cheap ones. Believe me there are many disasters that will befall a pond before you learn what you are doing.
I hold the same philosophy for my chickens. I started out with seven and as I learn what I am doing I make adjustments and slowly add more. That way if a predator strikes I will learn where I am vulnerable and only loose a few.
Good luck and add all you want, if you feel you have too many you can invite friends and family over for a fried chicken dinner.
. Will the number of chicks matter?? Opinions please....
