How many chicks and feeding? (TL;DR included)

[nine9d]

Hi all,
I am ordering my newly sexed chicks from MPC and this is my first foray into BYC. I have read so many threads and received so much great advice thus far,t hanks for the wealth of information. One question that I did not ask was, how many chicks are too many? I have a friend of mine who ia giving me advice, but I'd like to get some more solid answers here. He keeps telling me to order more then I wanted and don't go with a smaller flock. I am only allowed 12 females (no males) where I live. I am ordering all bantams and as I have an affinity towards smaller breeds of pets. My focus is on egg layers and pet ownership (I'd never eat them). If I order 9, is that too many? These are the breeds and amounts I was planning to have:

3 Easter Egger Bantam
1 White Silkie Bantam
1 Barred Plymouth Rock Bantam
2 Buff Brahma Bantam
1 Welsummer Bantam
1 Porcelain d'Uccle Bantam

The secondary question is, I read about feeding and it take about 1/4 lb a day per chicken (is this true). Now, I am guessing with bantams they will eat less, but let's just say the 1/4 lb holds true. If I had 9 chickens at this ratio it would be about 16 lbs a week! What! This can't be so. Is my math wrong? How in Gods name could one afford it? Especially if I were to go with some organic feed like Scratch & Peck, I couldn't see it being a viable option. Please do lend some advice, and so sorry for the too much to read.

Thanks all!

(TL;DR) Is 9 bantam chickens too much for a first time, how much to feed each chicken and how does one afford it?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I would go with as many as you are allowed. It doesn't take any more time to care for 12 as it does 9.
Chickens can die from illness or predation. It is always harder to add chickens to an existing flock. If you are producing more eggs than you use, you can give away or sell.
By second autumn and each thereafter, they will take a break from laying and that break will get longer each year.
That said, your coop and brooder will need to be large enough for 12.
How much they eat will depend on the breed and age. The first week it will seem like they aren't eating anything. After 3 or 4 weeks you'll notice a significant increase. It will continue to increase till they are mature.
If you think you may not be able to afford it, don't get chickens till you can.

 

[17 chickens]

Don't get over whelmed on your first chickens take it slow and small at first. Some people jump in with both feet and have to many then panic. Take it slow and small at first then if you think you can take care and handle more then get a few more later.

 

[nine9d]

Thanks for the advice. I don't think that it is a matter per say to afford it. I am just trying to get a little cost perspective in line as to people with flock size and amount used. I do know there are many variables, but isn't there a baseline?

Don't get over whelmed on your first chickens take it slow and small at first. Some people jump in with both feet and have to many then panic. Take it slow and small at first then if you think you can take care and handle more then get a few more later.

When you say to it slow and small, what does that mean to you? 3 chickens, 6, 9? I know there is no correct answer per say, I am just looking for what people recommend to n00bs.

 

[Krazyquilts]

Thanks for the advice. I don't think that it is a matter per say to afford it. I am just trying to get a little cost perspective in line as to people with flock size and amount used. I do know there are many variables, but isn't there a baseline?



When you say to it slow and small, what does that mean to you? 3 chickens, 6, 9? I know there is no correct answer per say, I am just looking for what people recommend to n00bs.

If you've never had chickens before, I say get somewhere between 4-6. That way you a better idea of what you like and don't like and you'll have lots of room to get some different breeds or colors later on. Never get fewer than 3 because if one dies, you'll still have two to keep each other company.

People say it's hard to integrate new chickens, but I've only had a problem once, and it was with a rooster who decided that every other rooster needed to die, not with hens like you are getting.

As far as feed costs, lots of people don't keep track because they just don't want to know! Like any hobby worth getting involved, it's not cheap. But you can't put a price on love and the best eggs you'll ever eat!

 

[Folly's place]

I wouldn't get one Silkie (or any) in a mixed breed group, because they have special needs and can be difficult to manage there. Many people have Silkies in a separate group rather than mixed in with normally feathered birds.
If you can have twelve, consider ordering that many this spring as a group. More of one of the breeds you already want, or something else. It is nice to have little groups of the same breeds, but not necessary. Enjoy!
Mary

 

[Krazyquilts]

I wouldn't get one Silkie (or any) in a mixed breed group, because they have special needs and can be difficult to manage there. Many people have Silkies in a separate group rather than mixed in with normally feathered birds.

Good point!

 

[sourland]

What ever number you decide upon, be aware that bantam chicks are notoriously difficult to sex, most hatcheries do not sex bantams, and you will most likely receive some cockerels. In large fowl it may be as high as 10 % cockerels in sexed birds. With bantams the % of cockerels can be far higher. Too many cockerels in a flock is a problem waiting to happen. Cockerels not allowed where you may live is an ever present problem. Have a plan B for any inadvertent cockerels.

 

[Folly's place]

MPC sells sexed bantams, the only place that does, as far as I know. I've never ordered sexed bantams myself...
I agree that the OP has to have a plan for any cockerels that turn up.
Mary

 

[17 chickens]

Thanks for the advice. I don't think that it is a matter per say to afford it. I am just trying to get a little cost perspective in line as to people with flock size and amount used. I do know there are many variables, but isn't there a baseline?



When you say to it slow and small, what does that mean to you? 3 chickens, 6, 9? I know there is no correct answer per say, I am just looking for what people recommend to n00bs.

Well if it's your first time getting chickens I would just start with 6 because that is a manageable amount. To really get used to having them, cleaning, care, dealing with lice, mites and what ever else comes along. House in hot and cold weather, critter attacks. Basically learning and seeing what breed works best for you! No all that said I am a chicken pro... right now I have over 100 hens and 18 ducks but I sell eggs. I am getting another 150 next month.