Is a flock of 2 chickens too small?

[patandchickens]

That is a very very stupid number for the law to stipulate.

However, if that's the way it is, and you want to stay legal (which I can certainly understand), then two it is.

It'll work fine. I'd suggest seeing whether there are any BYC-ers in your area who might be able to sell you two started pullets or laying hens, as raising just two (2) chicks would not be ideal although it could be done if necessary. Your feedstore may be able to get you point-of-lay sexlink or leghorn pullets but they may not be what you *want*, and are very likely to be debeaked. (Which is not the end of the world but not really something to encourage either, IMO)

As for whether it is worth it to keep just two chickens -- ABSOLUTELY WITHOUT DOUBT

I started with 3 just for eggs, totally certain I would not actually have any further interest in them as I am really not a bird person at all and chickens are just stupid boring critters, right? Well, that lasted about a day and a half, and here I am now

They really do have personalities, they are actually quite smart in some ways, and just generally neat to have around and watch. Plus, yummy eggs

Have fun, by all means get two chickens if that's all you can have,

Pat

 

[momto5kiddos]

Thanks for everyone's replies and helpfulness! I'd love to have more than 2 chickens--with our family that's probably enough for one egg breakfast per week. I'm just afraid that with how visible our yard is we would get found out very quickly.

 

[Mahonri]

There are "stealth" coops.

2 is not enough.

Good luck.

 

[PhlyinPheBee]

My first chickens were 2 banties. They were and still are a bonded pair of hens. It was six months before I added any. They are still do everything together.

So I say that 2 will be good.

Rene'

 

[Debi214]

I have 2 in one coop (small dog house - yes!) and 7 in the real coop so you should be fine. It was in the 20's here a lot of nights this winter and the 2 were fine in the dog house with just a heat lamp and they never stopped laying - 1 to 2 eggs a day. They are silver laced wyandottes if you need good layers and hardy winter chickens.

 

[breezy]

Quote:
Are you located in Arvada Colorado by any chance? We are only allowed to have 2 as well and no roosters. I have tried to find out why the number is just 2 but animal control said all they knew was that the number was reduced to just 2 after a series of complaints last summer.Prior to that there wasnt any enforcement except in the case of complaints.

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

Two should be okay. It is way fun to raise them from chicks. Your children will love that. They will be able to see them grow and bond with them. If you happen to lose one down the line, a lonely chicken will gratefully accept a new friend.

It's too bad you are only allowed two chickens. We started with two, then i got into hatching, then we had 12, and then 17. We were sort of illegal at that point, then we magically had to move. Now we live on a piece of property where we can have as many chickens as we want. (i think our chickens secretly orchestrated that entire situation). SO now we have 28 grown chickens (8 standard size and the rest bantams) and 40 chicks ranging in age from 4 weeks to one day old.

i don't consider their care a chore. i love spending time with them, fetching them food and water, and enjoying their sounds and calm nature. i think it is totally worth it. Can you tell i love chickens?

 

[AnnesChicks]

I also started out with plans to get just 4! Check out your local Craigslist, I was hesitant to start with the day old chicks, and I saw an ad on Craigslist for 2 1/2 month old pullets. When I went to check them out I discovered the nicest retired man, with healthy stock - so I paid for six and he threw in two mixed breeds - like the eggs would be any different. So I have eight, but luckily legally that is not a problem for me.

 

[mrsgibber]

I'd put up a stockade fence to block the view from the road. I too was planning on starting with just two, then someone told me that if one gets sick and dies the other would be lonely. So then I said ok, I'll start with three. Then I found a fourth breed I really wanted, then I said ok, five....now I have six chicks in the brooder (as that is the max my coop can house). However, I see at least one more coop in my future. I don't see how I can stop myself...they are so cute!

That being said, if two was all I was allowed I'd say two is definitely better than none! I can't imagine being without these guys. They are great for hours of entertainment and a great way to get the kids invovled and away from the computer, tv and video games.

 

[momto5kiddos]

Are you located in Arvada Colorado by any chance? We are only allowed to have 2 as well and no roosters. I have tried to find out why the number is just 2 but animal control said all they knew was that the number was reduced to just 2 after a series of complaints last summer.Prior to that there wasnt any enforcement except in the case of complaints.

Yes, we are in Arvada. Howdy, neighbor! This is what I heard too. Prior to last year we were allowed up to 15 "domesticated fowl" including ducks, geese, and even peacocks! How sad that this had to be changed. When I talked to animal control, the lady hinted that they don't regularly patrol backyards for excess chickens, and if they didn't see them and no neighbors complained they wouldn't do anything.


Perhaps if we can conceal our yard from the street (which I'd like to do anyway with the kids playing out there) and pacify our neighbors it would work. It sounds like chickens can be real addicting! Even if it doesn't work out now, we plan to move after the economy improves enough that we can sell our house. We'll have to be sure to find a chicken-friendly area.​