Minimum Flock Size for Happy Chickens

[makemineirish]

I tried to search the forum for this, but any threads that popped up concerned the minimum ORDER that you could place at a hatchery.

I have no city restrictions on the number of chickens that I have, but would like to do a small flock...at least to start with. We'll see if chicken math gets me.

What is the minimum number of individuals necessary for happy chickens? Does this number change with respect to bantam breeds (more specifically, D'Uccle)?

 

[itsren]

What is the minimum number of individuals necessary for happy chickens? Does this number change with respect to bantam breeds (more specifically, D'Uccle)?

I have three very happy pullets. Mine are medium and large fowl. They're like the three musketeers - they go everywhere together. It's fun to watch them stick together all the time. They snuggle together. They follow me all over the yard together. They swarm my feet and make me trip over them together. They talk to each other making the cutest noises. Three are fun.

 

[Den in Penn]

Three is the lowest number that works well to have normal flock dynamics.

 

[donrae]

Three is the lowest number that works well to have normal flock dynamics.

Yep. 3 is the minimum.

But more is better

 

[Mahlzeit]

I have a pair of hens together and it has always been just them and they are very happy and healthy. So I would say 2 would be the least.

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

I started with six pullet chicks in May. Added a cockerel in July. Got three more chicks in Sept. Planning on getting 8-10 chicks in the spring. Chicken math at work here.

 

[makemineirish]

itsren - Those photos are adorable and will probably keep me motivated if this coop design starts to seem overwhelming.

While it seems that Mahlzeit has had good luck with a pair, the consensus is a trio. I will plan on a bare minimum of three, but think that chicken math is already getting ahold of me. I keep sketching the coop dimensions just a wee bit larger.

 

[itsren]

itsren - Those photos are adorable and will probably keep me motivated if this coop design starts to seem overwhelming.

While it seems that Mahlzeit has had good luck with a pair, the consensus is a trio. I will plan on a bare minimum of three, but think that chicken math is already getting ahold of me. I keep sketching the coop dimensions just a wee bit larger.

Thanks.

Chicken math is finally getting to me, too. I have 5 eggs in an incubator. LOL!

Enjoy building your coop!

 

[chickenlover89]

X2 with the above posters, 2 or 3 at a minimum, I have 7 and they still go everywhere as if they can't go away from each other, if one leaves, they all run to that one. it's hard for me to get pics of just one chicken, unless i'm holding them

(they are still young)




























see? there is always a bunch together! they even follow each other into mischief!