I can only have 2 chickens.......

[murdeb]

per county ordinance......so my question is, do I get 2 hens or 1 hen and one rooster? Someone said the eggs are better if you get a rooster? I'm also not sure what kind to get. Can anyone give this newbie some advice? Thanks!

 

[tinychicky]

now, roosters make no differnce to the eggs. that's a myth

i suggest that you get two hens, they will keep each other company and you will get several eggs a week from the two.

 

[Schultz]

The decision of what gender of chicken to get is up to you. I have had all female and roos with females, I have never noticed a difference in egg taste. If it were me, I would get 2 hens so you have more eggs. The better quality feed will make all the difference in egg quality, in my opinion

 

[un-named]

I'd go with 2 hens. More eggs & no crowing!

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

Hello and

 

[murdeb]

Wow! Thanks to everyone for the quick replies! I like this place! Now I just need to get started on building a coop! Should I get chicks or adult birds?

 

[ChicKat]

I agree,

get two hens -- they will keep each other company, they will give you great eggs-- the rooster is only needed if you want baby chicks, and if you had them, you would exceed your two chicken limit.

Welcome and enjoy your new birds when you get everything situated the way you want.

My vote would be for pullets at about 16-weeks old, if yoiu can find nice healthy chickens with the traits you are looking for. You will have them for their entire laying life and you won't have to wait 6-months to get your first eggs as you would with chicks.

 

[dawg53]

Welcome to BYC.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

and

from Ohio. So glad you joined. Two hens.

 

[MSDeb]

Welcome to BYC, glad you joined. I agree, just get hens. We really enjoyed watching our chicks grow into hens. yes the waiting for the first egg seems to go on forever but, it is certainly worth the wait and it gives you time to learn about how to care for them and build a proper coop and run.