How many hens to keep me supplied with eggs for my family?

[Jena]

Welcome,

You will find all the advice you need right here, and they are all right chickens are morish, and you will become like everyone else here, and end up with more....lol.

Enjoy the adventure anyway.

Jena.

 

[fivestring]

Excellent info, everyone. Thanks.

I stopped by the local feed store today to check availability of the varying feeds, and supplies. Looks like they have most of what I will need right there from starter feed to crumbles to the adult "laying" feed.

But the young fellow that works there explained to me that I can get several eggs per day from each hen if I add a roo. I believe he is mistaken, according to everything I've read here. Please confirm this.

I did take note he doesn't raise chickens of his own, just bulls. Hmmm.

I am looking forward to finding some local chicks and getting started.

What is a reasonable price for chicks of common varieties?

 

[mamaKate]

Quote:

I don't know what chick prices are, but the kid is funny. Of course he's wrong( or teasing you).

 

[fivestring]

I kinda figured he was full o' BULL!

2-3 eggs per day!? Poor chickens!

 

[cajunlizz]

FULL OF BULL is exactly right , and elevatar don't go up all the way neither .


LOL a roo to create MORE eggs a day ? COME ON , is that part of his sales pitch to sell these roosters ? LOL

I want the name of this place and HIS name ... I got a bridge and a few other things I want ot sell him .

 

[wendy]

Quote:

I don't know what chick prices are, but the kid is funny. Of course he's wrong( or teasing you).

I have heard people say this. I guess it is a common mis-conception

 

[FlaChickenMan]

I have 3 RIR and 2 Domineqes. I get 5 per day! I put in a heat lamp (like the ones at a restaurant serving line). It makes them think it is day all the time as the gland in their eyes determine if the days are shorter, thus less eggs. Plus it keeps them warm on nights like tonight 39F! Also if they are stressed they will slow production. I get enough for me and my wife and daughter, plus estra to give to the neighbors! Good luck. I will be getting probably 3-5 more in the spring. I like raising them from chicks, they think you are the momma! Handle them a lot and you will never be without them again!

 

[fivestring]

FlaChickenMan,

I have made the same decision. I am going to start with peeps and raise them up. I had a local offer for RIR and Barred Rocks, grown hens for $12.50 each, but I will wait till I find some wee ones. I think it will get the whole family more involved with them by starting with little ones. That's my plan, anyway.

On a side note I had to laugh at the ordering system for Ideal Poultry:

"If your order consist of a very small number of items (less than the equivalent of a quarter of a box) there may be male chicks placed in the box for warmth or comfort during shipping."

LOL! They're using the poor little roos as PACKING PEANUTS!!! LOL!

 

[sdshoars]

i used ideal poultry for my first order of chicks, and i have placed a second order fromthem , they are wonderful! and yes, everyone refers to the males as packing peanuts, its quite funny. you can raise them up, keep the nicest one, and make soup from the rest! good luck!

 

[NurseNettie]

Quote:
Don't worry about ignorance--- there are plenty of enablers.. Um, I mean, educators, here willing to share what they know!