Are you in the city, where you only want a few hens for eggs? Do you have room for a larger flock? Do you want egg laying hens, dual purpose, or meat birds? Are you going to breed? Do you want production quality, or exhibition quality? These things factor in somewhat as to how you might want to start your flock. As a rule of thumb, I would suggest pullets, and/or a cockerel, if you intend to breed production quality. Again, pullets if you are wanting a small backyard flock for eggs only. If you plan to breed exhibition quality, a breeding trio would be wise to begin with. By getting pullets/cockerel(s) for a production flock from a breeder, they have been started, and tend to be heartier, so they are easier for a beginner to care for while learning, and building skills. Their sex tends to be more obvious, so you don't end up with a bunch of roosters. You will still get to enjoy the "first egg" experience, without having to wait 6 months. They will still be young enough to bond with you. This gives you a bit better edge at being successful, which will bolster your enthusiasm. Chicks tend to be more fragile, and require more care. Later on, when your skills have grown, and you are ready to step it up, then go with eggs, and/or chicks. It's an ongoing process. This is simply my humble opinion.
