So, we started with 8 chicks last year. We lost 2 (one really bad prolapse & another to our dog) and have been happy with the 6 we had left. We get plenty of eggs for our family and some extra to share. Then I got a call from my chicken-keeping neighbor asking me if I lost a chicken because someone in the neighborhood across the street found a skinny, stressed out hen under their car and it had been there for a few days. They finally caught it and brought it to my friend. She was in the middle of something and could not deal with it right then and asked if I could take her. I did, and I am so happy. She integrated well into the flock after only a few days and she is honestly one of my favorites now- she follows me around like a puppy dog! But, the strangest thing happened: suddenly my little flock wasn't good enough. I tasted expansion and craved more. So, I went last night and bought 3 5-week old Easter Eggers (maybe Ameraucana's- that is what the guy said, but I know it is doubtful). I set them up outside- separate from my other girls and figured it wouldn't be too much trouble since I could skip the whole brooder stage. So I headed to the local hardware store to get the new feed, and lo and behold, they had buff orpington & silver-laces wyandotte chicks- two breeds I really want. So, what did I do- did I get one of each? NO. I came home with 3 SLW and 2 BO- for a total of 5 chicks. So, now I have 7 laying hens, 3 young ones outside, and 5 in the brooder (a.k.a the rubbermaid bin). My coop will reach capacity with all these, but I honestly wanted to get more!!!! Why is there no warning label on that first batch of chickens?!?!?
