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How Many Chickens Should I Start With? 11 Key Questions

Are you thinking of getting your very first flock of chickens? If so, you might be wondering, how many chickens should I start with? These are the top 11 key questions to ask yourself before determining the best number of chickens for you and your future flock.

How Many Chickens Should I Start With

Embarking on the journey of raising backyard chickens is an exciting adventure! As someone who did not grow up around chickens, I found myself flooded with so many questions when I first considered bringing them into my life. The initial question on my mind was, “How many chickens should I start with?” Given my limited exposure to chickens at the time, I wanted to avoid feeling overwhelmed as I started my chicken keeping experience. So let’s explore 11 key questions that you can ask yourself before getting chickens to ensure a smooth and joyful experience (and not get overwhelmed!).

This post is all about how to answer the question of how many chickens should I start with. After reading through these 11 key questions, you’ll be well-prepared to start your flock!

So, How Many Chickens Should I Start With?

When answering this question, it’s important to look at your chicken-keeping goals, assessing your space, time commitment, lifestyle, chicken breeds, baby chicks versus started pullets, budget considerations, and level of care.

Chicken Yard

Your Chicken Keeping Goals

1. Choosing Chickens Based on Purpose and Preferences

An important first question to ask yourself is why do you want chickens? Are you aiming for a fresh supply of eggs for yourself and your family? Perhaps you would love eggs but also want some small bantam chickens or maybe you want some big fluffy chickens running around. Or maybe you even want to add chickens to your homestead who love to forage and turn over compost piles for you.

If your primary goal is egg production, considering breeds known for high egg output, such as the Australorp, could be a fantastic choice. On the other hand, if you envision an extra friendly, cuddly, fluffy companion that may not lay as frequently, exploring breeds like the Buff Orpington might also be great in your flock.

Understanding your specific preferences and goals will guide you in selecting the perfect chicken breeds to fulfill your needs, whether they be focused on eggs, companionship, or a delightful combination of both.

2. Egg-Laying Considerations

When determining the number of chickens to start with, it’s crucial to factor in your egg-laying goals if this is important to you. Each hen has her own egg-laying capacity, and if you have a specific target for weekly egg production you can take this into account. Typically hens will lay very well in the first 3 years then the number will start to decline. Egg production also tends to decline in the winter months as their bodies naturally need a break as the daylight becomes shorter.

If you’re aiming for a consistent egg supply, starting with fewer chickens can be strategic. This allows you to gauge the egg production of your initial flock and, in the coming years, gradually add more hens to maintain a steady supply.

Whether you’re dreaming of colorful eggs for your breakfast or simply enjoying the delightful company of your feathery friends, considering the long-term aspects of egg laying is an essential part of your chicken-keeping journey.

Chickens Foraging

Assessing Your Space

3. Evaluate Your Future Chicken Yard

Space Considerations
Another important question to consider is the size and layout of your future chicken yard. Chickens will need a coop (chicken house) and a run or allowed to free range in a space that will allow them ample space to roam, scratch, and spread their wings. Take a close look at your outdoor area and determine how much space you can dedicate to your flock.

It’s advisable to allocate a minimum of 3.5 – 4 square feet of space per regular-sized chicken in the coop (slightly smaller for bantam breeds) and roughly 8-10 square feet in the outdoor run. Overcrowding can lead to stressed and vulnerable chickens, making them more susceptible to illness. If feasible, providing more space is always better for the well-being of your flock. Increased space allows chickens the freedom to distance themselves from flock members in case of conflicts, ample room to roam and forage for bugs, opportunities for communal dust baths, and basking in the sunshine. This enhances their happiness and contributes to a healthier and more harmonious coop environment.

4. Check with Your HOA (Homeowners Association)

Living in a community with an HOA? Before welcoming your flock of feathered friends, it’s important to check the rules and regulations regarding backyard chickens. Some HOAs have specific guidelines on the number of chickens allowed, coop location/design, and whether or not they allow roosters.

Ensuring you’re in compliance can help avoid conflicts with your HOA and neighbors.

Social Chickens

Social Needs

5. Minimum Number of Chickens

After looking at your space and HOA rules, can you at least keep a minimum of 3 chickens? Chickens thrive on social interactions and experience their highest level of happiness when they have companions. For optimal well-being, I would recommend having a minimum of at least 3 chickens. This ensures that they can establish meaningful social bonds by foraging together, engaging in mutual preening, and even enjoying communal dust baths. This camaraderie not only enhances their contentment but also contributes to a more fulfilling and natural chicken social environment.

Chicken Scratching

Time Commitment and Lifestyle

6. Assess Your Daily Schedule

While chickens are relatively low-maintenance, it’s important to consider your daily schedule. Chickens require daily care, including letting them in and out of their coop, feeding and watering, checking for eggs, cleaning up, and monitoring their health.

There are plenty of things you can use to automate many of these tasks. An automated coop door for example can be helpful if you are not able to get home before dark every night or want to sleep in on the weekends.

7. Factor in Vacation Plans

Planning a getaway? Chicken care doesn’t take a vacation, so it’s crucial to have a reliable plan in place for when you’re away. Whether it’s a neighbor, friend, or professional pet sitter, make sure someone trustworthy can look after your chickens and ensure they have fresh food and water daily.

Raising Baby Chicks Versus Started Pullets

8. Chicks or Pullets?

Choosing between raising baby chicks and purchasing started pullets can significantly influence your chicken-keeping experience. Pullets are female chickens who are getting close to starting their egg laying. Opting for baby chicks demands a substantial time commitment and additional supplies.

On the other hand, investing in started pullets might involve a higher initial cost compared to baby chicks. There’s a few reasons though someone might want to start off with pullets including:

  1. Reduced Risk of Roosters: Purchasing pullets around the point of lay diminishes the likelihood of ending up with a rooster in your flock.
  2. Elimination of Brooder Setup: Unlike raising baby chicks, buying started pullets eliminates the need for setting up a brooder in your house or garage, streamlining the initial setup process. This means you can start them off in your chicken coop.
  3. Quick Egg Production: With started pullets, you can start enjoying fresh eggs in a relatively short period, bypassing the extended waiting time associated with raising chicks until they reach the point of lay.

Consider your preferences, time commitment, and immediate egg production goals when deciding between these two starting points in your chicken-keeping journey.

{RELATED POST: 7 MUST-HAVE BABY CHICK STARTER KIT ESSENTIALS}

Budget Considerations

9. Calculate Initial and Ongoing Costs

Raising chickens comes with initial setup costs, including a coop, feeders, waterers, bedding, and, of course, the chickens themselves. Take the time to calculate these expenses and ensure that you have a budget in place. While chickens are relatively economical to keep, a well-prepared budget will help you avoid any financial surprises.

Beyond the initial setup, consider the ongoing expenses of chicken keeping. This includes feed, bedding, potential veterinary care, and any additional supplies. Having a clear understanding of these costs will help you plan for the long-term commitment of chicken ownership.

Speckled Sussex Chicken

Health and Safety

10. Prepare for Predator Protection

Chickens are vulnerable to predators such as foxes, raccoons, and birds of prey. Before bringing chickens into your backyard, ensure that you have adequate predator protection measures in place. This may involve reinforcing your coop, using hardware cloth, and installing motion-activated lights to deter nocturnal visitors.

{RELATED POST: PROTECT YOUR CHICKENS WITH PREDATOR PEE HAWK STOPPER NETTING}

11. Treating Common Chicken Illnesses

Responsible chicken keeping involves anticipating the potential for illnesses. When deciding on the initial number of chickens to start with, you may want to consider beginning with a smaller flock if you are new to chicken keeping. This approach enhances your confidence by allowing you to become familiar with the chickens individually and better equips you to recognize signs of illness. Starting with a lower number provides a manageable environment where you’re more likely to detect subtle changes indicating a chicken’s health is off, compared to managing a larger flock, say 20 chickens, from the start.

Not sure if there are vets who will see chickens near you? Check out the Poultry DVM Vet Directory for an extensive list of avian vets.

Australorp Hens

Congratulations on taking the first steps toward becoming a backyard chicken keeper! By asking yourself these essential questions, you’re laying the foundation for a successful and enjoyable chicken-keeping experience. Remember, every chicken is a unique individual with its own personality, and with the right preparation, you’ll create a happy and healthy environment for your future flock.

Happy chicken keeping!

This post was all about how to answer the question of how many chickens should I start with. After answering these 11 questions, you’ll be well-prepared to start your flock!

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