Where do I begin?

[Lauren]

Hello
I would like to start raising chickens for eggs for my family of four. (one of whom is not eating solid food yet)
I'm thinking two chickens sounds nice, and that I'd like them to live in a chicken tractor, but that is all I know.

I need help! Where do I begin? Any advice on breeds and where to buy chicks? Any advice for a beginner would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[pipermark]

Buy Turkens and check out the coop area for some good tractor desings.

chicken tractors
http://www2.gsu.edu/~biojdsx/fowl/tractor.htm

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

A few places to start:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/raising-chickens-basics.php

 

[TheBigWRanch]

There are a lot of good breeds of egg layers out there, so you can have a variety if you like. I personally can't look at a Turken without wanting to throw up, but if you are looking for something unusual, than go for it. No offence to those that own Turkens, I'm sure their great.
https://secuservices.com/ideal/ This web site has drawings of a lot of different breeds you can look at to decide what you like.

 

[LICHICK]

If you only want 2 look at the feed store if someone put up a for sale sign. There should be a several soon with spring comming. Also ask the person there if they know anyone selling. When I got interested in getting chickens I bought Storyies Guide to Raising Chickens. It came in very handy & easy to understand. I bought 3 the first time in case something happened to one the other wouldnt be alone. I now have 12 & getting 35 more in May so build a little bigger because you will get more

 

[Lauren]

Thanks Folks
I looked into Turkens, and they sound perfect, but the thought of mixing breeds sounds nice too. Also, perhaps 3 would be better.

I know the general guide line is one nest to four birds, so what happens if more then one needs to lay an egg at the same time?

 

[CarriBrown]

The girl with the most clout gets the best spot. Number two hen finds another place to lay. I've found eggs outside in the run, etc.

 

[blue90292]

when i first started out with chickens to feed my family fresh eggs, i got myself a rir and and easter egger. the reds are very good layers and the easter egger gave me colorful eggs.

i had a roo with my 3 hens, just cuz i thought they were very pretty.

 

[justusnak]

I have 11 hens....laying hens...and 7 boxes....The other day I was in there, and there was a hen in one box....Pancake...our little white hen, was wanting to lay...she was clucking....paceing....up on the roost....looking in the nest box...then down on the floor....then in the box next to the hen laying...clucking the whole time...she would peep around the corner as if to say....are you done yet?? This went on for about 5 min...when the first hen was finished, she jumped out, Pancake went straight in....and only took her about 30 seconds to lay hers. Whew! That was close! LOL If they want it bad enough, they will try to wait thier "turn in the box" Otherwise, they will find another place. Chickens are such fun!

 

[LICHICK]

My girls do the same thing. I guess its like someone banging on the bathroom door because they got to go.