The magic number??

[WoodlandWoman]

Raising a smaller number still gives you good experience. You can always raise more the next time. At least you wouldn't get in over your head the first time out, which sometimes happens. It gives you a chance to tweak how you do things, to be more successful the next time, when you have larger numbers to contend with.

 

[silkiechicken]

Very true. As a learning experience raising chickens is well worth it, especially for kids. You don't learn anything from spending 3 bucks on some watery chunk of protein from the store.

You can learn where food comes from, how to care for animals, how to look at different problems when they arise and tons of other stuff. I too have raised enough chickens to where it's almost a cost vs value now... unless of course it comes to Caleb's progeny and the silkies. Then that cost thing flies out the window.

 

[Firefyter-Emt]

David, thanks for the nice comments.. My plan is enough research to not have to "add stuff" when I am done. With the advent of the internet there is no reason I can not come close to getting it right the first time.
(right down to screws to attach the lower siding to keep it from comming loose or animals trying to get in)

I should add in one other factor for us. You see, we also home school our four children and they will be a major part of the "chicken upkeep labor force" once the chicks have touchdown.

I could always think along the lines of adding a small second coop just for meat chickens if I want to give it a try down the road. Seeing as how they will not need to winter in the coop I don't have to build it in the same manner.

 

[Davaroo]

My plan is enough research to not have to "add stuff" when I am done. With the advent of the internet there is no reason I can not come close to getting it right the first time.
(right down to screws to attach the lower siding to keep it from coming loose or animals trying to get in)
When I hear this, I'm always reminded of the line adapted from Robert Burns' poem, “To a Mouse” :

"The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men, often go awry..."

But, you are right - there is little reason why you can't come close. I will guarantee that you will miss the mark somehere along the line, too. But it should be minor and we are always here when you do. Chickens are not a crisis, what ever happens there is no reason to panic.

 

[speckledhen]

There are just so many things you cannot foresee, such as how much you'll enjoy those birds and want to try a new breed, then another and another....LOL.

 

[BirdBrain]

David, your avitar is terrible!!