New here-which chicks, what kind of coop, how big, how many to buy

The most important question for suburban folks is, "Are you zoned to keep chickens?" Find out what your local laws are before you buy or build anything.

A lot, but not all, hatcheries require a minimum order of chicks. A lot of times it is 25 birds (because the chicks' body heat helps to keep them warm during transport...not really a problem in summer, but I digress). You can also get chicks from your local feed store/Tractor Supply. Call and find out what they offer. You can also get chicks from BYC members (check out the Buy/Sell/Trade area).

If you pick out the chicks yourself, you may end up with roosters. Your area may not allow you to raise roosters because they can be loud, so you would have to rehome them. Also, if you only have a few hens and a few roosters, the roosters will fight bloody battles over the hens and may "gang-rape" (for the lack of a better term) the hens to death while they try to assert authority over the flock. A hatchery will sex the chicks for you so you get what you want. These are all things to consider when figuring out where to get them.

You do not need a rooster for the hens to lay eggs. They don't even need one to get things started. They will lay eggs regardless of whether they ever mate or not.

If you can have a rooster, the rooster will protect the flock to an extent. Roosters often have very interesting personalities and make all kinds of crazy sounds, so they are fun to have around.

As far as what breeds to get... Bantams are cute, but they lay pretty tiny eggs, so it might be better for you to go with bigger girls if you want "normal" (store-sized) eggs. If you don't mind, then go with bantams. You can still eat their eggs; they're just a lot smaller.

Of course, bigger girls need more room, so you will have to determine how much space you have for a coop or tractor if you decide to get bigger chickens. You will also have to make a decision based on winter weather if you live in an area where it gets really cold at night. A coop might be better if you live in an area that gets lots and lots of snow.

There are many, many breeds to choose from. You can pick them based on what color eggs they lay (white, brown, even blue and green!) or pick based on the physical characteristics of the birds, like what feathers or combs they have. You can also pick them based on their behavior. Some birds are more docile and friendly and some are flighty and loud by nature. You may decide you want a flock full of birds of the same breed or you may want birds that are all different from one another.

How many to get? Hens will only lay one egg per day, so if you want 4-6 eggs per day you probably will want 6-7 hens. Hens will often lay most days of the week and then take a "break" for a day. They won't all take their "break" on the same day. Some will lay every single day.

I suggest going to your local bookstore and picking up a book about raising chickens once you know it's okay to raise them in your neighborhood. Of course, ask as many questions as you like here, and check out the coop pages for some ideas, too.

By the way,