I am about to embark on poulry ownership and have already spent hours on this site and am addicted. The more I read the more indecisive I feel about the size of our first flock. We are sectioning off a corner of our barn 10 X 15 with an attached run 6X20. We have 3 acres and I'd like them to free range daily if they'll stay in the yard. I had decided on 12-14 2EE, 3BO, 2BPR, 2 CM, 2 RIR and my daughter insists on 1/2 Polish (Thought I should get 2 since they look so different worried they'll get picked on). I was reading yesterday a poster delaring the benefits of fewer birds with more room. Secondly, I didn't realize egg production diminished so quickly so I was wondering if I should get the RIR's next year to spread out production. I know this is a lot but I only wrote a fraction of the questions I have. My kids(4) and I are doing this together and are SO EXCITED. Beth