Number of chicks to get started

[melissastraka]

from 6 to 103 in 8 months...56 in the bator too...just always have an option to expand...because you will!

 

[vortec]

I started out with twelve and that was a good number. It was enough to get a good learning experience but not enough to be overwhelmed. Sadly they all turned into roos except for two. I have since expanded to 30, but when most of the roos get mature we will load the fridge. Get what you think you can support, but trust me, you will want/get more

As for the addiction. I just bought an incabator so I am now capable of getting tons of chicks in a short ammount of time( probably not a good thing, lol ) Its safe to say I'm addicted.

vortec

 

[Iancurrannacearca]

in my opinion 5 or 6 would be a good start and then build your flock up.

 

[RendonRoo]

I would say start with 6 and build to house 30. I started 2 mts. ago with 12 and now have 27(still not sure how that happened). 6 will go in the freezer but i still have to expand by the winter. Good Luck and welcome to BYC

 

[gandrimp]

Well Im new here and to chickens.My wife and I started with 72,yes 72.
Thats the way I do things, all or nothin.
I have enjoyed them and will be eating most of them.
Six is a good # for normal people.

 

[hippie]

it doesn't cost any more money to run a heat lamp for 30 chicks than for 6. as long as you have the money for feed. trust me, you'll want more

 

[OutdoorFun4]

Holly84,

I think the responses you have received so far cover your question. It all depends on you.

I started with a plan for 6... thinking of my neighborhood, what my 2 acres of lawn would support, and the coop I wanted to build.

I'm holding at 8...but if I lift my nest boxes off the floor I could do 10!!

The people on this site are helpful and complete enablers!

The best/most truthful advice I have received:
The more you learn... The more you want.
Your coop should be bigger. No, even a little bigger than that!

Good Luck!

 

[holly84]

Okay friends: Here's the scoop. Your advice has been wonderful and very much appreciated. I love eggs and will use them for eating. However, I don't think I could ever "eat" them (the chickens) because I fear I will become too attached while raising. Also, I just don't think I can eat what I raise. Sorry ya'll. My eating habits are a bit on the peculiar side. However, since I live in Georgia around some farm areas, I don't feel I'll have a problem giving them away for others to "eat". So, the next question is: When is the best time to release them for others to enjoy on the table? Thanks everyone.

 

[chick4chicks]

Welcome to the wacky but fun world of being owned by chickens. I started last year and 6 was gonna be my limit. I now have 39 from last year, 3 more babies and 2 more on order soooooooooo take it from there. Welcome again.

 

[gkeesling]

What I've heard on here is that chickens start declining their egg production in the 3rd year, but will lay 8 years or so to some degree. I'm going to continue to track my chicken's egg production and, when I feel they have gotten to low (not sure what to low is yet) then I'll turn them into chicken and noodle chickens (some people will give them away I know and that works too). Right now my plan is to keep my current flock for 3 years, but could be a year or two longer if their laying production doesn't drop of too much.