HELLO!

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Chickeee34

Chickeee34

Chirping
Oct 1, 2016
15
0
50
SoCal
Hello! I really want a chicken but I'm not sure if keeping only one is a good idea? I haven't gotten my eggs yet but I'm wondering how many I should get because I'm not sur about the hatch rate.
 
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Hi, and welcome to BYC!
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Do you have a place to keep a chicken/chickens if you were to get some? Hatch rate depends on the incubator and who's hatching
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There are some really nice brands that'll give you nice rates, but they're on the pricey side. Cheaper incubators will have a lower rate (unless you're @AmyLynn2374
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) but they'll be cheaper.
 
Hi there and welcome to Backyard chickens! I am so glad you are contemplating on taking the leap into the world of chickens! Do you have any specific breeds in mind? And for a chicken to really thrive, it is going to need at least one or two other chickens so it does not get lonely. Check out the learning center, it has loads of great info, and you can click on the ''hatching eggs and raising chicks'' button for great help. I hope you enjoy BYC, and good luck!

https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center
 
Hi and welcome to BYC. It may well make things a little easier to opt for point of lay pullets, rather than fertile eggs. The learning curve to keeping chickens is more gentle and possibly a less stressful introduction to the hobby. Dunno where you live, but if winter is heading your way, its another logical reason.

Best of luck

CT
 
Welcome to BYC! It's great to have you.

A single chicken should only be kept in the situation that you have a lot of time for it and it is kept as an indoor pet. It would need to be diapered, kept inside, treated like a dog or cat and given plenty of attention.

Otherwise, you need at least three birds. A chicken, a buddy, and a backup. I would never have less than three at any time. Before you even think about getting chickens you need a secure coop and run. Are you sure you want to obtain your first flock through hatching eggs? A good incubator is pricey. Eggs are of course unsexed and you will likely end up with at least a few roosters, which you will likely have to either butcher or rehome (and rehoming roosters is not an easy task). If only one chick makes it to hatch, you'll need to try and find buddies of a similar age for it which can be a hassle. If you put too many eggs in you could end up with tom many chicks. Hatch rates vary drastically depending on the incubator, eggs, and other factors. You could set 20 eggs and hatch only 2 chicks or your could set 8 and hatch 7. It's unpredictable, especially for a new keeper. You would be better off purchasing sexed pullets.
 

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