Hopeful First Time Chicken Owner :) Advice Needed please

[ChickenChick22]

I am looking into getting one chicken. I would like to have more but I do not think I will be able to get more than one. I was wondering if the chicken would really suffer by themself? Also is their any breeds that do well solitary? Do you think I sould even get one? Would that be fair to the chicken? Maybe I can push for two.... HELP
Please and Thank You

 

[Irishrooster]

Hi
Ya you deffinetly have to get at least two. You can get bantams because they are very small and could probaly get more then one. Look in the breed section of BYC.
Good Luck

 

[kristen2678]

You really need two. Three is better but two is really the minimum. They are social birds and do not do well alone.

 

[ChickenChick22]

Thanks very much

Its just a space issue so that would be a great choice!!!!! I look into them

How mant square ft do i need per bantam? i know it is 4 fora regular sized bird

Thank you

 

[gritsar]

About 2 sq. ft. for bantams. Obviously the more space you can provide, the better.
If you just want them for pets, consider silkies or seramas.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

Chickens are a flock animal and like company so two would be so much better, one chicken would get lonely and bantams would be ideal.

 

[ChickenChick22]

OK thank you Everyone so much for all the information

So now I am leaning towards 3 bantams w/ a 2ft x 3ft coop

I was interested in having some sort of eggs... But i live in maine so I would need something hardy. The hardiness is much more important though.
Any breed suggestions?

 

[gritsar]

Living in Maine, look into some cold hardy breeds. Three that come to mind and come in bantam size are brahmas, cochins and wyandottes; but there are many others.

 

[LynneP]

I agree that you'd be happier with a small flock, three or four. Then if you lose one the others are still a flock! Banties are a joy anyway, you'll have more fun with a mini-flock.