Will 3 hens be enought

[Eievie]

• Our family: 2 adults, 1 child
• We have a small yard
• We do not eat very many eggs AT ALL!!! Althought I am sure we will eat more when we have chickens
  
• The local zoning code alows chickens, but only a few

Becuase of these factors, we are thinking 3 hens, all of good laying breeds (we have no meat intentions). Will 3 gals be enought, or do we need a few more?

 

[Fred's Hens]

Yes. But there are other issues than just 3 eggs per day, times 7 days, equaling X number of eggs, during peak laying seasons.

Rotating birds in and out to provide for laying consistency over time is also an issue in a small flock. If all the birds are the same age, they will tend to moult together and age together, potentially all ceasing laying at about the same time. When 3 hens are "on" they'll lay 2 dozen eggs per week. So, I personally would stagger the procurement of the layers. Just something to consider, taking a longer view.

 

[cupman]

I have a few friends who live inside the city. Ordinance is 3 birds but they each have four. I eat more eggs now than I ever did before I had chickens so you might factor that into your calculation. I would get four different breeds, or three if you are only going to keep three. I like variety. If I were to recommend some good laying breeds I would say Rhode Island red, leghorns(any color) and my personal favorite is the golden sex link. Just get what you like, they all lay eggs pretty well.