I built my coop and run for 6, but now I am building an extension / addon that will add space for 4 chickens, both coop and run extensions.
My plan is to add 3 to my flock each April and cull 3 each fall. This way I always have 3 first year layers in the fall and winter months to get eggs even during molting season for the older birds. Culling prior to the onset of molt will save me 3 birds feed cost in an unproductive season. Plus I’ll get to enjoy a wide variety of different kinds of chickens as time goes by. This spring I’ll be adding breeds 7 through 9. The next spring (2020) I’ll likely have a repeat breed or two, as I’ll have some favorites by then that I won’t want my flock to be without.
I based my decision to add and cull on this:
https://nwedible.com/chicken-rotation-optimizing-for-year-round-laying-from-the-backyard-flock/
My plan is to add 3 to my flock each April and cull 3 each fall. This way I always have 3 first year layers in the fall and winter months to get eggs even during molting season for the older birds. Culling prior to the onset of molt will save me 3 birds feed cost in an unproductive season. Plus I’ll get to enjoy a wide variety of different kinds of chickens as time goes by. This spring I’ll be adding breeds 7 through 9. The next spring (2020) I’ll likely have a repeat breed or two, as I’ll have some favorites by then that I won’t want my flock to be without.
I based my decision to add and cull on this:
https://nwedible.com/chicken-rotation-optimizing-for-year-round-laying-from-the-backyard-flock/