Hello! First time chicken mama in Greater Boston area

Hello!

Yesterday, I became a first time chicken mama when 3 Lavender Orpingtons arrived at our home. What an experience for all of us, especially our 5 year old daughter. (Thank goodness, I could finally exhale. The hatchery didn't manage to ship the chicks until the next day, and I haven't been * that * stressed tracking a USPS package -EVER!! I was kicking myself for not finding a local breeder.)

Thank you all for being here and sharing your experience. I am trying to soak up as much knowledge as I can from you. We hope to give these chickens a very happy life as part of our family! Raising chickens seems like such a natural thing, but without there's someone to learn from ... It wouldn't have seemed possible to consider.

We live on a good sized lot, but in a densely populated area. Our town passed a bylaw allowing backyard chickens but we don't know anyone else in town who has chickens.

One burning question on flock size & timing:
-- If our town has a max of 6 hens (once permit issued), would it make sense to start with these 3 chicks to get a hang of everything, then possibly add 3 down the road or better to get the other 3 we had in mind immediately when they'd be 1 week apart and can bond?

-- I heard it's much harder to introduce new chickens to a flock down the road, and the chance that one or more could turn out to be a rooster. But also don't want to bite off more than I can chew since I'm mama hen with all related duties.

-- We initially though we'd get a White Cochin, Black Australorp, and a Buff Orpington at the same time but they were not available to ship on the same day so we made our best decision bc we really were drawn to the Lavender Orpingtons and didn't want to miss our chance.

-- We'd only need ~dozen eggs/week but it'd be nice to share eggs with nearby family and neighbors.

What an exciting journey this is! Now I really understand "Chick TV" !! Such gorgeous, funny little fluff balls.

 

Thank you for your sweet welcome and the fast and helpful pointers.

Ok, I can do this!!!

Much gratitude. Fingers crossed that these babies are all females. Deep breath. Can't imagine having to say goodbye to any. My daughter and I held these 5-day olders today. Precious.