KnightsMist
Songster
I'm just planning things out, not getting chickens yet- but what is the best way to get started?? I want to have layer/duel purpose hens for eggs- and possibly to eat??? I haven't decided yet and fear I will get attachwd and not be able to "pull the trigger" when the time comes..
So how many chicks do you start with, and how many should you add and when to keep a sustainable laying flock?
I don't know the limit yet of how many I can have (looking into it!) which will obviously influence management. But generally, is it good practice to start with 5-6 and then add 2-3 every year or every other year? Just get the max and cull and replace the whole flock in a few years? And if you keep hens until they stop laying- how the heck do you know who is and isn't laying??? Assuming that at least some of your hens lay the same color eggs-
I will have many more Qs but will start with these!
So how many chicks do you start with, and how many should you add and when to keep a sustainable laying flock?
I don't know the limit yet of how many I can have (looking into it!) which will obviously influence management. But generally, is it good practice to start with 5-6 and then add 2-3 every year or every other year? Just get the max and cull and replace the whole flock in a few years? And if you keep hens until they stop laying- how the heck do you know who is and isn't laying??? Assuming that at least some of your hens lay the same color eggs-
I will have many more Qs but will start with these!