What should a newbie start with?

[Charjeanne]

I did a lot of reading but with so much information out there i just seem to get more confused instead of informed. My question is: should i start with chicks, pullets or adult hens? These will be pets and egg layers. Next question is how many (I originally was thinking 8-10) My coop, being built now, will be 4'x8' and the run 8'x20'.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

If they're pets don't go more than 8 in that space. 6 might even be better if you're in a place where winters are bad or snow falls a lot.
If they're pets choose hardy breeds. Generally speaking good production =/= a long life. Go for heritage breeds and ones with robust and healthy track records.

Chicks - pros; you get to have chicks. They're delightful to experience, they're wonderful to hold, they will bond to you better. They will produce or live for longer as well. Cons; chicks die easy sometimes. Some of them might be roosters even if you get sexed chicks (chick sexing is only around 90-95% accurate).
Pullets - pros; guaranteed sex, long production life, already hardy. Cons; they tend to be a little harder to bond with. Expensive.
Older hens - pros; doing a good deed giving retired hens a safe life. Inexpensive. Established personalities. A little calmer and wiser. Cons, fewer years of eggs, shorter lifespan, health issues come on sooner.

 

[Mrs. K]

Since you asked I would go with pullet to hens the first year, and I would not fill the coop with the maximum number of birds, especially in a pet situation. I think a multi-generational flock is best where you add a few birds each year.

Do be aware, that chickens are often times not real long lived animals. Many will die a natural death around 3-4 years of age. Some live longer, and some not so long. I mention this because people come on here, so upset and feeling guilty needlessly. Good quality feed, clean water, dry bedding and a wind block is what you can do. Genetics plays a big part, predators can get you or other wrecks, it happens. I keep a flock, the birds come into and go out of the flock.

There are pros and cons to chicks, pullets or hens. I would go with just some hatchery chicks, and I would get a mix. I cannot count the times, whereas I was sure this would be the perfect breed, and it didn't quite work out that way. Get your feet wet, see what works for you, and have fun.

As for skittish birds if you sit quietly in the run, and throw scratch out, and sit quietly again, in a week, the most skittish bird will be approaching. Don't try and grab them, wait, be patient, and they will come to you.

Mrs k

 

[Ridgerunner]

The reason it is so confusing is that there is no one right answer. We are all different with different goals, different climates, and totally different situations. Others have gone through what I consider the more important pros and cons. No need for me to repeat but my suggestion would be the be chicks or started pullets. Some people start with mature hens but I think they come with more downsides as pets.

Knowing your climate is extremely important in how many. Do you live in the tropics or where snow and cold wind is going to restrict them from being in the run a lot? Also, will the run be set up where at least part of it is protected from cold wind and snow if you are in a truly cold climate? Even knowing what country you are in might help with specific suggestions.

Knowing no more than coop and run size and your goals of eggs and pets, I'd suggest you start with no more than six. Four might not be a bad number, I don't know how many eggs you want. There will be a learning curve. The more you crowd them the more likely you are to have behavioral problems, the harder you will have to work, and the less flexibility you have to handle issues that pop up. I value flexibility more than anything else. Make it as easy on yourself as you can as you go through the learning curve. It doesn't do you or the chickens any good if you hate dealing with them so I think your comfort and stress levels are very important.

 

[DiYMama540]

I say go ahead and get pullets! Nothing better than brooding and raising baby chicks! They should be laying by summer depending on the breeds you choose.
8-10 sounds like a good number to start!

 

[Charjeanne]

Thanks everyone for the pros and cons-- that helped a lot. i think i will be going with pullets and probably half of what i originally planned. Next step i guess would be to see what is available in my area. btw I live in the deep south, Mobile, Alabama.

 

[aart]

I did a lot of reading but with so much information out there i just seem to get more confused instead of informed. My question is: should i start with chicks, pullets or adult hens? These will be pets and egg layers. Next question is how many (I originally was thinking 8-10) My coop, being built now, will be 4'x8' and the run 8'x20'.

Yep, it's like getting a sip of water out of a fire hose!
You're gonna get soaked!
There's a lot of differing techniques that can all work, and there's a lot of 'bad' advice too.
It's hard to choose when you're just learning.
Take some deep breaths and start to keep some notes....I used a word doc so I could search it and edit....heading like coop, roosts, nests, feeders, etc can help organize your info.

I started with a mixed age and gendered flock.....they came with pests(lice and scaly leg mites) and disease(mild respiratory). We all survived, and I got eggs right away, but it's something to keep in mind.

Chicks will need heat, but are 'clean'(if from a reputable hatchery/farm store) and a lot of fun to watch grow.

The 4x8 coop will limit your population.......depending on your run configuration and your climate.

Oh, and...Welcome to BYC! @Charjeanne
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[Building Bridges]

I would buy an incubator and buy fertile eggs or get them of someone you know.and start from there. That's what I've done. And now the first eggs I hatched are now pullets laying eggs. I've killed few roosters along the way.I ate them and gave a few away.but it's fun doing it that way.

Personally I find the incubator/hatching route to be very intimidating. So many posts here about struggling with humidity settings and chicks that need assistance to hatch and deformed chicks and the like. Maybe some day....but not as my first go around for sure! That's just me knowing my own stress levels.

 

[Building Bridges]

First of all Welcome to BYC!! This is a great place to find answers. There are tons of people here with a depth of knowledge who are willing to come alongside and make suggestions and give advice. I am planning for my first flock also....so I've been here a few months just reading and learning and preparing. Everyone has different goals, different limitations, and different weather, facilities, etc to deal with. Consequently, you have to make decisions about what feels right to you after reading and studying. Personally, I've decided to start with chicks because of the bonding experience and the economy. Generally you want a minimum of 4 sq feet per bird in the coop (more is better especially if you live where there are harsh winters)....and 10 sq feet of run outside (more if you are not going to free range). It's very exciting to choose breeds and order birds....I hope you enjoy every minute of it! Again...we are very happy you joined us!

 

[Chicken Heel]

I bought 5 six to eight weeks old started pullets (Buff Orpington, Dominique, Barred Rock, Red Sex Link and Easter Egger) for my nephew and his oldest son last May. They had never had chickens and this worked well for them. These breeds tend to be docile and hardy and handle any newbie caregiver mistakes a bit better. All the birds have thrived and are doing well. And my nephews have enjoyed them and want to expand their flock at some point. Thus, I have successfully passed down chicken math as a family tradition which makes me happy.