If you aren't experienced with raising chickens, I would advise starting with pullets (teenage chickens not yet laying) all about the same size and age. You might pay a bit more each for pullets than chicks but you'll spend that in extra equipment for raising chicks to maturity. If they mature together they will sort out their pecking order. It is much much more difficult to deal with raising chicks especially if you are in a colder climate, and it can be difficult to introduce a new hen into the flock once your girls have established themselves so decide what breeds you think you want to try that are suitable for where you live.
I would echo what has been said above, talk to local breeders or farm supply places near you. The less distance chickens have to travel the healthier and less stress for them. Do your homework before you bring home chix. For many of us a predator-proof yard/coop is essential and it is much easier to set that up before you have chix in residence. Think diggers, flyers, whatever might be a problem in your area. For us it is cats and raccoons and it is heartbreaking to lose one of your hens to a predator when that can be prevented. Best of luck!
I would echo what has been said above, talk to local breeders or farm supply places near you. The less distance chickens have to travel the healthier and less stress for them. Do your homework before you bring home chix. For many of us a predator-proof yard/coop is essential and it is much easier to set that up before you have chix in residence. Think diggers, flyers, whatever might be a problem in your area. For us it is cats and raccoons and it is heartbreaking to lose one of your hens to a predator when that can be prevented. Best of luck!
