Well, the number of chickens should be determined on how much money you have, how much room you have, how much time you have!
First, if you can afford enough food, treats, supplements and meds when needed. Second, if you have large enough coop/run/area (remember: the suggested sq footage for each bird is 4 in the coop (IF you live in a mild climate and your birds can go out most days this could be less) and 10 in the run..IF you free range a lot this doesn't have to be this high.. Next would be TIME; it will take you a few extra min. to clean up after, wash waterers and fill feeders for 17 compared to say 4...
YOU have to weigh all these and make your decision... AND is EEggers the only breed you want?? Or would you rather sell some and have a mixed flock of different breeds??
I purchased 11 true Ameraucanas for 20$, raised them until they were 16 weeks old. I pulled out the four I like the best--for differnet reasons.. and sold all the others for 12$ each.. Nice easy money...