Newby Questions

[chemistx2]

What is the fewest number of chickens possible for a backyard flock? Would one chicken be happy alone? I'm looking more for a pet and bug eater than a meat or egg chicken.

I'm thinking of rescuing rather than raising from chick. Do these chickens bond well with humans?

Will a chicken "free range" well in a tiny fenced backyard (just a little larger than the average condo backyard), or will she escape? Do I need to clip wings? I would definitely invest in a small coop for nighttime, but I don't want to build a covered enclosure.

What breed of chicken would you guys recommend for a small situation like this? Bantam? Is there a breed of chicken where the rooster is a "minimum crower?"

I live in an area where rats are an ongoing problem. Is this just a bad idea from the start?

 

[jonathansenn]

first of all

I have seen a many solitary roos (roosters) so to answer that question I think could be okay alone. (although they are like potato chips, you can't have just one you'll want more)

I'll leave rest up to those more qualified. If you're worried about crowing I would not get a rooster.

 

[chemistx2]

Thanks for the advice! Any more from anyone else?

 

[chicklips]

Chickens can live alone, however, if you had two then they would not get as lonely! A very friendly bird to have is the Buff Orpington. A rooster will crow, and all roosters are different. Get a pullet if you have restrictions on noise. If you keep an eye on the chicken then the fenced yard should be fine. Just remember that there is a possiblity that preadors may come around.

Have fun with your chicken!!

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other posts. It's difficult to say what you should get for breeds. If you asked a lot different people you would probably get many different answers. Some may agree on the breeds. Not sure if your yard is fenced or not. I would be concerned about predators too. A neighborhood dog dug under my fence and killed one of my hens. I would go with 2 or 3 pullets. Have you considered a chicken tractor? Here is a great reference book, Gail Damerow's 'Storey's Guide to Chickens' is an excellent resource, as well as this web site which is an excellent source of information.

These sites are especially helpful in selecting breeds.
http://www.mypetchicken.com/breedQuestions.aspx
Henderson's Chicken Breed Chart
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/BRKPoultryPage.html

Also here are some other good sites and info and more good links.
http://www.mypetchicken.com/aboutChickens.aspx
https://www.backyardchickens.com/lcenter.html
https://www.backyardchickens.com/coopdesigns.html
https://www.backyardchickens.com/web/viewblog.php?id=2593-Treats_Chart