Getting Started With Chickens

Chickens are much like potato chips — once you have a few, you'll always want more in your backyard flock. However, several factors influence the ideal number of chickens you should keep. The right flock size hinges on your production goals and experience with chicken keeping. For instance, while roosters can be a valuable addition, they're not suitable for every chicken enthusiast. Yet roosters can add a flash of color, and some enjoy their crow.

When You Get Started, Here’s a Checklist

Think through your goals as a chicken keeper. You may have planned to have a smaller flock but moved into your new home and discovered 20 hens in a barn. The purpose of keeping chickens is typically egg production, meat production or companionship. Yet before you begin caring for chickens, you’ll need a checklist.

Check Your County Laws and Zoning

Check your local zoning regulations regarding poultry and always ask about whether roosters are allowed. You also may live in a neighborhood with Homeowners Association restrictions that don’t allow chickens. The reality is three or four chickens are less noisy and less work than two dogs!

Size Matters

Chickens do well with at least 3 square feet per chicken in the coop plus run space. Larger breeds may require even more and chickens will always appreciate more space. Overcrowding can also result in territorial issues. So, your flock is limited by the size of your coop and run.

You May Wait Before Adding a Rooster

It is important to implement safety measures to protect your birds from predators. For some chicken keepers, having them free range is worth the risk of an occasional attack as they can hunt for worms and peck in the grass.

As long as the coop is protected and reinforced, it’s not essential to have a rooster to guard the hens. Each chicken keeper has to decide, but it’s best to hold off on a rooster unless hatching chicks is a priority. You never know if your rooster will be a gentleman with the ladies. The flock will form their own social structure with or without a rooster.

Consider Breeds and Do Your Research

Five small breed chickens may have more room in your coop than five large breed chickens. Researching the breeds you’d like in your coop will help you decide if a smaller bird, like a Bantam, or a larger breed, like a Jersey Giant is the answer. Smaller birds require less space, feed and a smaller run. Their eggs are still delicious!

Time and Resources Should Impact Flock Size

How much time do you have to care for your flock? When deciding on the right number of chickens for your backyard, it's crucial to consider the time and resource commitment involved in their care. Keeping chickens requires daily attention, including feeding, cleaning their coops and conducting regular health checks to ensure they remain healthy and productive. These tasks demand a consistent daily routine and a willingness to invest time in their upkeep, which can be rewarding but also demanding for those new to chicken keeping.

Financial considerations are another critical factor when determining how many chickens to keep. The costs associated with maintaining a flock can add up, including expenses for feed, bedding materials and potential veterinary care to address health issues.

It's important to budget for these ongoing costs to avoid surprises and ensure your flock thrives. Understanding these financial commitments upfront can help you plan effectively and enjoy the benefits of having a healthy, productive flock in your backyard. Some issues can be taken care of in a do-it-yourself scenario, but this isn’t always true if your chicken is limping, or egg bound.

Additionally, weighing personal desires against practical limitations is essential; while there might be a temptation to keep more chickens for increased egg production or variety, it's important to ensure that each bird can be properly cared for. This is harder than it sounds as you’ll always see a social media post with someone that has chickens they need to rehome. Adding birds is tempting!

Determining the right number of chickens to keep is a thoughtful process that requires consideration of several factors. The decision-making journey begins with assessing the available space and resources to ensure the chickens have adequate room and care. It's crucial to balance one's needs and capacity, recognizing how many chickens your coop and run can realistically support.