How many is too many?

[121zues]

Well we started out with 6 RIR babies,1 PEKIN AND 1 Rouen duck we lost 1 RIR so we went back and got 6 more then we went and got six more ducks they are so much fun and so very aaddictive oh and a rooster, so now the magic number is 20. Holy smokes 8 to 20 what was I thinking. Anyways I go to the feed store and the lady there tells me on the 19th they have barred rocks, silver and golden laced wynadotte's coming in now I want 2 of each somebody please talk me out of it or tell me I'm not crazy!

 

[bobbi-j]

Too many is when they are too crowded, and when you can't afford to feed them. You are the only one who can decide what "too many" means. Do they free range? How big is your coop and run?

 

[donrae]

Too many is when they are too crowded, and when you can't afford to feed them. You are the only one who can decide what "too many" means. Do they free range? How big is your coop and run?

This is spot-on. Yes, baby chicks are cute, but space is key to a healthy flock. 20 birds is going to need a minimum of 80 square feet in a coop, and 200 feet in a run. And again, those are minimum numbers.

Not saying not to enjoy your birds, but do a realistic assessment of your set-up and see how many birds it's feasible for you to have at once. Also decide what you intend to do with them in the fall of 2015 when they molt and quit laying for the winter. Will you want to get more chicks in the spring 2015? Maybe save some breeds for then.....

 

[121zues]

Hey guys I'm not worried about room I've got the space for a whole bunch of them we live on a farm and our chicken house is pretty big they are only 10 weeks old now so they are in a run 10×30 but as soon as they are old enough they will be free ranging. I'm just not sure what I'm gonna do with all their eggs. And as far when they quit laying the RIR were bought to have eggs but the others were bought for looks so I'm not sure but I intend to keep them all they are so much fun but I like them better than I did as little babies now

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

If you've got the space and can afford to care for them, too many is when you no longer enjoy them anymore.

I've been there, had so many birds that caring for them become a chore instead of something I liked to do. When you get to that point, you've got too many. If you're not to that point, you're good