Ordered 6 chicks-I only want 3-4 chickens-was that the right idea?

[limabean]

I was at the feed store this morning placing my order for day-olds. The fellow at the counter looked at me funny when I said "three" - saying "you're going to want a few extras" - to account for loss. I get that, I do - but, what if I get it all right, predator protection, feed, etc...and I end up with 6 birds. I don't want 6 (yet, anyway)! Sure, maybe I can find homes for them, but by that time we'll all be attached to them...and what if I can't find homes?

Thoughts?

Thanks from an overthinking and anxious newbie.

 

[Fred's Hens]

Did you choose a popular breed? Did you order "straight run" or did you order only pullets?

 

[limabean]

Only pullets. Four red sex-links, 2 barred plymouth rocks.

 

[cafarmgirl]

Well then I guess you'll have 6 chickens!

I was only going to get 4, ended up with 9. It's better to have a few more so in case one dies or is killed you don't get down to just one very lonely bird.

 

[Fred's Hens]

OK, good. You will have ZERO problems getting rid of the excess. Very popular. Now, if by chance you do get a roo, well, that's different.
I love both of your choices.

 

[lotsachicks]

You really do have to account for chicken math. I wanted 5 originally, I now have 30, and planning more.

So I think 6 sounds just right....for now.....bwahahaha.

 

[Cass]

I wanted and planned for 6. Somehow (i'm not sure how) I am going to wind up with 16. WHAT??? And I know my luck...NONE of them will die or get killed. Come spring I will have over a DOZEN eggs every day. Enjoy your chicks. Even if it is more than you thought you wanted.

 

[heather112588]

when i first started, i had to talk my family into it so only wanted 3 hens:
...ended up getting 5 chicks (3 turned out to be males-2 of which were dinner, 1 died as a chick, 1 was killed by a fox), 4 more chickens added (1 killed by a fox), 2 free males (dinner), 3 more chickens (freebee males but one is a female) and lastly 7 more (4 males and 3 females) grand total now= 14!!!

 

[Yay Chicks!]

I only got four...because that's what our town ordinance allows for. But if I had to do it over, I would have gotten 6 or 7 and built my coop bigger! No one can see over my fence anyway...

You'll probably be happy you have six.

 

[limabean]

Chicken math!

You guys are so funny! I've experienced cat math so I so know what you mean.