how many chickens are two many chickens

In my personal opinion..you don't have enough to be called a hoarder. I don't know of a number other than it becomes a problem when you can't take care of them.

 

As far as for "you", as many as you can care for. The neighbors are another problem. I find the word hoarding a strange way to put it. I wonder what you would find if you could investigate what those folks are saving and have a number of. Uh, I mean hoarding. Like cats, guns, Coke a Cola signs and such. Strange folks. If they have um all is well, if someone else does, it's hoarding and not good.

But what does you local laws say?

 

You have too many when you have more birds than you can house, feed, and care for properly. Sounds like you have plenty of room (our yard is about the same size, I have about half that many chickens but some ducks and a turkey too ). As long as you can feed that many and keep up with cleaning after them, I think you're fine.

 

I think the term "hoarding" has become main stream and over used since all the reality shows hit the air. I also think what is hoarding for one person is fine for another - totally depends on the situation. If you can care for all of them, then I say you are fine. Just think about your motives for having them and see if that sheds any new light into the situation or if you still feel the same way.

 

how many chickens are two many chickens?

The obvious answer would be two... but seriously if the neibours are PO'ed then you either have too many for your particular situation or need to change how they are kept. Granted some neibours will never be happy unless you have no kids, no pets, never go outside and offer to cut their lawn weekly but that is another story.

Without a plan to cull chickens and control how many come in eventually over-population and/or disease problems will come about.​

 

It sounds like everything is great at your place! No problems. As for the neighbors?

I think it is good for people to examine this 'issue' (whatever lable you put on it)within themselves and discuss with others to make sure they have the number they can comfortably take care of. I am myself right now. And I am downsizing a bit for winter. But am doing ok myself . It is nice to be able to discuss these things with other chicken people to get others views.

You sound like you are doing just fine and have some very loved and lucky chickens.

 

You're neighbors could make your life miserable. I had some new neighbors move in when I lived on the edge of town and they harrassed me for over a year. I ended up moving and am very happy I did.

 

I have 11 and feeling like a hoarder. Do not get me wrong, I have property enough for them to free range. To me, it is about being in harmony with the surrounding. It is a hobby, not for profit. It feels that 6 to 9 birds would be the right number in my scenario.

I free range them in controlled time so they do not decimate the lawn. The coop and run do not overwhelm the yard. The set-up is kept neat.

 

I don't think you are a hoarder.

I have 60 plus chickens (but 40 acres, so nobody says anything).

When you have to have 30 egg omelettes several times a week,THEN you have too many hens.