Poultry 101 Planning Your Flock
Getting Started With Chickens
What’ s the Right Number?
By Christy Caplan
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!
30 AcreageLife December 2024 AcreageLife. com