Lousy flock?

[townchicks]

I started out with only two, and that was fine. We went along happily for a year, but when I saw how attached they were to each other, I started to worry about losing one, and having the other be too lonely. Then a friend found a stray hen that no one claimed, and I took her. After one month quarantine (and blood tests) I slowly introduced her, and had a happy trio, for another two years. Then I lost one of my original two this summer, and I was so glad my Harper still had a friend. Then I got three more pullets, because, well, can't have just two now, and chicken math.

 

[moniquem]

I do worry that I will lose one. My EE has laying issues and we almost lost her a few months ago. It gets cold here in Washington and I worry with 2 they won't create enough heat. I don't heat my coop so their little bodies have to work. The good news is my other two are a huge BA and a "special" chunky SS.. They are all so cute together.

 

[chickens really]

How many are you actually allowed? How big is the Coop and Run?

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

Welcome to the BYC flock!!! As long there are two for companionship and they get along, there is no need to complicate your balance of things with more. I have 3 flocks combined into one coop/run and honestly you can tell there is 3 flocks. They don't always hang out as one flock, but get along as one. Best of luck!

 

[2hotchicks]

How many are you actually allowed? How big is the Coop and Run?

 

[Ted_Harrell]

I reread the original post again, as chicken really asked, how big is your coop/run?

 

[2hotchicks]

I'm allowed 4 hens. Coop & attached run can be no more than 32 sq. Although we live in town, the road behind our house is outside city limits & there are fields, woods, & river half mile away, i.e., predators. I feel it's only safe for them to forage in a "playpen" (20 sq) that I drag around the yard

 

[Ted_Harrell]

Sounds like 3-4 would be the way to go if you have the time to devote to them. In the end you know your limits better than anyone. Good luck with your flock.

 

[chickens really]

I'm allowed 4 hens. Coop & attached run can be no more than 32 sq. Although we live in town, the road behind our house is outside city limits & there are fields, woods, & river half mile away, i.e., predators. I feel it's only safe for them to forage in a "playpen" (20 sq) that I drag around the yard

Well just enjoy the ones you have...

 

[2hotchicks]

I reread the original post again, as chicken really asked, how big is your coop/run?

Are you trying to get me in trouble with my city? Seriously, my run area is 27 sq. I have another run I will attach this spring, which will bring run sf to 34-35 (shhh). The coop itself is in the run & elevated so birds can get under. It is small, 25x25 excluding nest boxes. The coop is "The Clubhouse Coop" on mypetchicken.com. I have one extra run attached & one extra run I just received & have not attached yet