Why do so many of you buy so many chicks?

[BarefootMom]

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Our coop is 8x12 and we have about 33 chickens in it (30 hens and 3 roosters) We have planty of room in the coop. But they are only in there from dark to dawn and to lay eggs in the daytime. So it doesn't have to be that big IMO. They all sit very comfortably and roost together. There is a big area in the back that they don't even hardly roost in. I have a big brooder that I will keep the chicks in for a month or two and then the fryers will be seperated out into a different pen. We won't be building anymore coops.

 

[vfem]

We all start small... but the addiction will get you (if you have the space) and you may want to have 20 total, or 40 total!

I like to hatch my own personally, and I keep 10 hens at any given time because thats what my space allows. I use chicks for trading or selling though.

But like you, I like the fact there are places where you can only get a few at a time (MPC) and that is great when you have limited space, or are in a town who have a minimum allowance of what you can have. Some towns only allow like 3-6 hens total, and those people should be allowed to be addicted too!!!

 

[4kids*2dogs]

You are all getting me very excited for my first chicks to arrive! This forum is so much more fun than any political forum that I have been on!

1 buff orpington
1 black silky
2 Easter Eggers
1 wynedotte
1 white Plymouth rock

Arrive March 31!!

 

[weekend farmer]

I started with 6 last year and have 18 chicken now. I have 27 more coming tomorrow. I sell the eggs and just love the chickens. I am addicted to it! They pay for themselves and everyone who buys the eggs can't get enough. Most people are used to store bought and once they try fresh they are hooked.

 

[Badbaby05]

ENABLERS!!! All of you!!

Keep up the good work.

I just love this place.

 

[FMAFarms]

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[FMAFarms]

My husband, the city slicker, was the one who wanted to get chickens. I wanted goats! But he said chickens would be more economical (HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

) so, having had chicks as a child and having helped my grandmother with hers, I said fine. I researched and read and spent countless hours online and talking to friends with chickens, you name it I did it. I narrowed it down to three breeds: Buff Orpingtons, S-L Wyandottes, and Araucanas. He then told me he only wanted 6! Well... let's just say that now there's also Cochins, Silkies, and Columbian Wyandottes, and possibly Cuckoo Marans in our future. I had to visit our township's ordinance director to see exactly how many we could have (we're fine, but we might need more acreage if we want 200 or more!). Now my husband is saying he wants a laying flock of 50, and that we should breed Silkies and Cochins. We'll see... we'll see!

 

[ChooksChick]

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go for it! then claim it must have been a mix up! you order 2 of number 5...it is believable

Hah! Good idea. I am tempted. I can see that this forum will be a good influence on me. hehe

Yes, we all started with a handful, and then found out that chickens are good for augmenting our sense of humor, lowering our blood pressure, and forcing us to stay fit in the winter! It's all a good thing, and I think the Prez should declare a henhouse in every yard!

 

[columbiacritter]

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LOL!! I was out in the COLD wind last weekend trying to get the latest coop framed in for the chickens that were hatching in our incubator. This is coop # 5 plus two tractors and one isolation run. While I was workign on this coop my DH wandered over and started discussign where he wants to build a turkey coop for next year!

 

[perchie.girl]

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Thats just chicken math.....

I cant speak for the others but as good as my coops are or will be there will be the occasional escapee that disappears into the underbrush never to be seen again....

My very last hen was taken right in front of me not more than thirty feet away. Coyote spotted her scratching in the horse poo and snagged her on the run.... with me screaming and hollering and trying to throw rocks.

I plan to do some rehoming too. But once I get my flock established I will be closing it. Meaning any new additions will come from my own chickens. If I need to get "new blood" I will buy a few hatching eggs.

WRT that moment of weekness some Hatcherys will sell one or two chicks with extra packaging and a heating pad. I have heard they charge as much or more than the price of ordering 25 because of the special handling.