How do you decide? Straight Run/Too Many

[CMV]

Quote:
Depends on which you have the patience for and the supplies to undertake. An incubator can be either pricey or time-consuming based on whether you buy it or DIY, and hatching eggs can go wrong in a hundred different ways if you are just starting out. Buying hatchlings is as easy as placing an order and waiting for a delivery.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

 

[HyperTree]

i dont have my chicks yet, but im planning on ordering from Meyer's Hatchery, because i can just order 3. MPC lets you order 3, but if you dont live near a city then you have to order 8.

 

[E.G.Glayer]

I'm not suggesting that you get yourself into any unsafe situations but if you dont go the hatchery route with 3 min order or cant share an order with someone try Craigslist just to see what folks in your area have for sale.

 

[Lbrad7]

Another thing that you may want to consider is asking other people in your community if they might be interested in taking up the hobby. When several co-workers heard that I was ordering chicks this past spring they asked if I would be willing to add 4 chick for them. Their community regulation only allows them to have 4 birds per lot and no roos. I was ordering over 80 birds so it was nothing for me to sell them a few chics once my ordered arrived.

If you can get a few people to split an order of 25 from a hatchery it could drastically cut down on your culls and by the way, I totally agree with CMV in that I would NEVER buy straight run chics in your situation. I order straight run from time to time but I have huge runs, a large barn and 6 acres for them to free range on. My number of roos really isnt much of a concern but in a small coop it could be really stressful for you as well as your birds.

Welcome to the hobby and be prepared to be hooked for life!