Should I get more chickens?

[SillyChick]

Hello

Before, we had 7 chickens: 5 cornishes and 2 unsure RIR's. They were a nice happy chicken family. But then we decided to get rid of the cornishes because they eat too fast. We found ourselves buying kilos of feed everyday! We only got rid of 1. One got bitten by our mad dog and died

. The rest mysteriously disappeared. So, we only got the 2 young RIR's left: Laura and Rex. They were kinda sad and quiet after the cornish disappearances, but soon got well again.

Now, should I get more chickens? The coop is a little big for only 2 of them. The 2 of them also became more scared of humans after losing the cornishes. They probably don't feel secure because there are only two of them. They also became less skittish. They are both 3 months old. The past cornishes were 5 months old and were high in the pecking order. I think they are happy with more chicken friends. Or are they?

I won't be getting cornishes anymore because of their huge food consumption and pooping. The only other breed of chickens available are RIR's and Fighting Cocks. I'm planning to get 3 RIR's, but my parents told me only to get 2 because 3 is too much. But my grandma, who owns 3 free-ranging chickens(they always scare off my RIR's during free-range

), said I don't need to get more chickens because my 2 RIR's like more space. Also, RIR chicks are quite expensive(60 pesos each/around $1 and 20 cents). We also have nowhere to put the brooder because the place where we usually place it is under renovation. My parents are thinking of placing it in the coop, but I don't think it's a good idea........

So, should I? I'm up for more furballs. Thanks in advance!

 

[Scrambled Egg]

Now, should I get more chickens?

Of course that is a rhetorical question, right?!!

 

[s6bee]

Yeah, this is not the place to ask if you need more chickens. Of course you should. I mean, you have lonely chicks and too much room!?? No need for an answer, just what are you waiting for?
The question should be how many. I have 5, it's a nice # to suppy my family with eggs. Get more if you want to give to family and friends.

Have fun choosing breeds!

Stephanie

 

[seagullplayer]

I would look into what killed the other chickens and make sure that is taken care of, then fill the coop!

 

[texaschickmama]

Did you really just ask us that question?

 

[Stormhorse23]

hmmm. 3 more should not be too many. how big is the coop and run?

 

[Churkenduse]

Ordinance here only allow for five I would love more are you kidding??

 

[KingsCalls]

UHH...........YES! Get more chickens!

 

[SillyChick]

Sorry about the unnecessary question! I feel so stupid!

I think it's the cats that have been causing the trouble........the chickens often free-range and I usually leave them alone while I go to do other things. What a bad chicken keeper I am! From now on I will always look after them during free-ranging time.

I've been having trouble if I'm going to get chickens..........We have no room for the brooder(my parents won't let me place it inside the house).......oh well.........looks like I won't be getting chickens........

Thanks for the opinions.

 

[professor_yellow]

Plan on 3 to 4 square feet of floor space per chicken depending on size and how much inclement weather you get. In storms i keep mine inside so like the bigger end. And you are right that they are more comfortable in numbers. If you have a good extension cord, you could set the brooder in the coop, as long as you had some cardboard about 18 to 24 inches high to create a circular ring to keep the chicks inside. this is enough to prevent drafts.

Black austrolorps go well with RIRs too.