How many hens will we need?

I would over estimate a little bit. But, one hen will give you 7 eggs a week, so multiply that. Four or Five hens would be what I would go with. They are not all going to lay one egg every single day, they skip every now and then.

 

Depends on the breed of chicken hen you get. Some are prolific layers and some are not. Do some research on what breed to get. I would say, 6 hens at least for what you want and this really does seem to be the magie number to keep em happy.

 

It would depend on the breed. With high production layers, you might be ok with 4. The number could go up to about 8 if you choose poor layers.

 

I think the real question is, Do you want to have eggs to share with others? If not go for the 6 to 9 hens. If you do intend to share and have the room go for a dozen. That's how it all begins. Then you will pick up 6 more, then someone will give you 3 and holly cow,watch out your a chicken farmer!!!

 

You should consider selling the extras and just getting more chickens anyway! They are always cheaper to raise the more that you have. With about the same amount of work.

 

I have 4 hens and get at least 2 dz a week some weeks more and some weeks less but then again it has only been around 20 degrees for the high and single digit lows lately so I would say 4 or 5 would do the trick.

 

Well, with our Delightful Dozen we are getting 2 dozen eggs every three days. And we just got them in April, since October we can count on 7+ eggs a day. We did have a couple of days with only 3 - 5 eggs, but that wore off...LOL - now I am selling and or giving eggs away left and right!