minimum number of chicks for well-being

[mollygrace]

I'd like to add 1-2 chickens to my little flock this year and I'd like to raise them from chicks. I know getting just one would be bad since they are such social creatures and I don't want her to be lonely in the brooder, but is 2 also too small of a group? Would 3 be the absolute minimum or could 2 be okay?

 

[Ecarroll]

Usually I would say 3, but if you already have a flock, 2 might be alright…
One is definitely a bad idea, as just one chick will get lonely, and if you are starting off a flock two is bad, but maybe for adding them it would be alright.
This is just my opinion, someone with more experience may chime in later.
Another thing is that I’m not sure if anywhere would sell you just two chicks, as they usually have a three chick minimum.

 

[mollygrace]

Another thing is that I’m not sure if anywhere would sell you just two chicks, as they usually have a three chick minimum.

I was able to buy a single chick last year at a local store after one of mine died.

 

[Slothinc]

I’d be inclined to get 3 - just in case one dies or one ends up a rooster. I like raising several chicks together.

 

[rosemarythyme]

3 is probably the best minimum in case something happens to one.

 

[Iluveggers]

I say 3 also. If you have 2 and one dies, integrating a single chick can be difficult.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

3 is probably the best minimum in case something happens to one.

I say 3 also. If you have 2 and one dies, integrating a single chick can be difficult.

Ditto dat!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Two will work as long as they live. But I also recommend a minimum of three for reasons given above by others. Or if you only want pullets one might turn out to be a boy. That could be a problem if you needed to get rid of one and you only have two.