How many do i need?

[Mwcrf450r]

I'd like to get a small flock of egg layers. I'd also like to play around with trying to breed to SOP but i don't know if that'd be feasible without a large flock? I assume getting good genetics to start would be a big plus, but im not looking to start with 50 birds. How many are suggested to start a small breeding operation where eggs(and probably meat from culls) are the primary goal, but if I'm able to look back after a few years and say "I've definitely improved this line since I got them" it'd be a fun/satisfying plus? Is it really feasible with a smaller flock? Say 7 or 8?

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

What breed are you thinking of?

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

If you are thinking of a breed that already has good lines you can purchase easily then you could start with fewer. I am interested to see what others say because I am going to start a breeding project soon and I am planning on starting with over a dozen from two, possibly three different lines. I already have over thirty chickens though so these will be in addition to that.

 

[theoldchick]

I'd start with ten and go from there.

 

[Mwcrf450r]

What breed are you thinking of?

I hadn't quite settled 100% on that. I like Ameraucana, and Orpington, but not stuck on those either.

 

[Mwcrf450r]

If you are thinking of a breed that already has good lines you can purchase easily then you could start with fewer. I am interested to see what others say because I am going to start a breeding project soon and I am planning on starting with over a dozen from two, possibly three different lines. I already have over thirty chickens though so these will be in addition to that.

Yea I'm new to chicken keeping in general, I had ducks for a couple years, and I've done rabbits, but wasnt sure if i should just get a random flock, or if it was possible to do something like this wjth a smaller flock. Just as a side hobby kinda thing.

 

[Mwcrf450r]

I'd start with ten and go from there.

8 Hens and two roosters i assume?

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Are there any quality breeders near you?

 

[Mwcrf450r]

Are there any quality breeders near you?

I think there's a few but maines a large, sparsely populated state so it'll require some miles out on the car. So I'll have to do some research before I commit lol.

So from what I'm gathering though, it is very possible, I just need good stock to start with, and should probably try to get a few more than 7 or 8.

 

[theoldchick]

8 Hens and two roosters i assume?

I'd start with one rooster. You can always add a rooster at later date.