Hello from Bellevue, NE!
I go by Elfie
I grew up around chickens and other farm animals, so I know some things (food, water, basic care). I plan on building my own coup since I'm an avid DIYer, and found a place I can get individual eggs. This little part is important for me since I have a lone pigeon who is insistent on laying eggs and sitting on them. I'm going to have her hatch the chickens.
Only want 2-3 birds, but I'm worried about egg production. Not selling them, just family use (I go though eggs with my family). Any suggestions on how many chickens would be a good number?
Thanks and it's great to be here!
-sorry about the book lol
-Elfie
Welcome Elfie! Great to have you join us. Most chickens lay an egg a day during the summer in their early years. As they age they do slow down. Of course, there are times of molting and winter when most chickens slow their laying too. The number of eggs your family uses will help you to know how many chickens to get. We eat eggs all the time, deviled egg sandwiches, fried egg breakfasts, and the list goes on! When building your coop, keep in mind any predators you may have in the area. Racoons, possoms and such love to dig under to get in your run and coop. Hawks will swoop down and grab chickens if the run/coop is not covered. Fox, coyotes, lion and bear love a chicken dinner! Just a reminder to keep these predators in mind when making sure your chickens will be safe! This sounds exciting for you, be sure to enjoy it all!
You'll want to start with a minimum of 3 chickens...unfortunately, sometimes things go wrong and ending up with a lonely only bird is not a fun situation (for the chicken as they are flock animals).
Check in with the NE members and see what sort of tips they can give you. Pork Pie has given you a link to the state threads.
Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Having a pigeon hatch chicken eggs is rather unique. I hope that works out well.
I agree with @N F C that you should shoot for 3 chickens which would actually mean more than 3 eggs due to less than 100% hatch rate. Sounds tough for a pigeon!
We are glad you joined this flock!
