How Many Chickens Do I Need?
How Many chickens do I need?
Today, we’ll break down the question, “How many chickens do I need?” so you can figure out the perfect number for your family and home. Not all chickens are created equal, so having an idea of the breed, the eggs they lay, and what all goes into their care will help you narrow down the best number for you.
Raising chickens is a great way to add a bit of homesteading to your lifestyle, giving you more control over the quality of food you and your family eat.
The Benefits of Raising Backyard Chickens
There’s nothing better than enjoying homegrown or home-raised food straight from your backyard.
That’s probably why I love raising chickens so much. They give you fresh, delicious eggs anytime you need them. And honestly, eggs from your own hens don’t just taste better than store-bought—they have these rich, golden yolks that make store-bought ones look dull in comparison.
And then there’s the added bonus of chicken poop and eggshells. Sounds strange, I know, but they’re amazing for your plants and garden. Toss the poo into your compost pile, and you’ll have nutrient-rich soil to boost the health of your veggie garden. Toss a few crushed egg shells around the base of your plants and see them flourish with added calcium.
Oh, and don’t forget about pest control. If you give your chickens some free-range time during the day, they’ll happily help keep a large variety of invasive bugs and insects in check.
How Many Chickens Do I Need?
When considering how many chickens you need, it all depends on how much space you have and how many eggs you want to collect.
Chickens tend to be very sociable animals and don’t like being solitary. And happy chickens produce better eggs. For that reason, you shouldn’t consider having chickens unless you can house at least 3 to 6 birds.
An adult bird averages 2 eggs every 3 days so with 6 chickens you can expect to collect about two dozen or so eggs a week. If you want more eggs, you’ll obviously need more chickens which will require more space and more feed.
It’s important to note that chickens will not begin to lay eggs until about 5-6 months of age. After that, you can expect them to produce the most eggs in the first 2 years of their lives. After that their egg production slows down so you’ll want to be thinking about adding some younger chickens from time to time.
How Much Space Do Chickens Need?
On average, a medium-sized chicken requires at least 3 square feet of floor space inside the coop and about 8 to 10 square feet of space outdoors. That means with 6 chickens you’ll need a coop that has at least 18 square feet of floor space and about 60 square feet of space outside.
Ultimately, the more space you can provide the happier and healthier your chickens will be. Overcrowding can contribute to hen packing, feather picking, or even disease. While they like to be social, they also like their personal space. Providing a large backyard or a fairly large chicken run will keep them healthy.
Free-ranging your chickens is certainly an option and has some benefits, but depending on where you live, you may want to consider a large fence or chicken run to keep the chickens in and predators out.
How Much Does It Cost to Keep Chickens?
Between the cost of the coop, the chickens, and the regular maintenance with food and bedding, there is certainly some expense involved.
If you’re building it yourself, you can expect a small chicken coop to cost at least $300 to build including the wood, hardware, and fencing. A larger coop will, of course, cost more and you can also purchase already built coops or assemble yourself kits online for significantly more.
If you have a shed or other building on your property now that this not being used you can convert it into a chicken coop for an affordable option.
Depending on the size of the flock and the size of the coop, you can expect your start up costs to run between $500 and $1,000.
Your best option, if you’re not sure you’re committed to raising chickens, is to start small. You can always build a larger coop and add to your flock if you want more, but it’s harder to downsize if you decide it’s not for you.
How many chicks should I get?
Before you settle on a number you’ll need to consider how much space you have to dedicate to your flock, how many eggs you want each day, how much money you’re willing to invest, and how much time you’ll have to take care of them.
Raising chickens is a commitment no matter how many or how few you have.
• If you just want chickens for your family, a small coop and a few birds are all you’ll really need.
• If you want eggs that you can share with extended family and friends, you’ll need a little more space and a few more chickens.
• If you want to sell eggs, you’ll need a lot of space and a lot of chickens. Depending on your customer base, you’ll need enough space for about 50-100 chickens to start.
Things to Consider Before Getting Chickens
There are so many reasons to consider raising a few chickens in your backyard. But before you get busy building a chicken coop, there are a few things to consider first.
#1. Look into the Rules
Before anything else, make sure to check your local ordinances along with county regulations and any HOA rules if you’re part of one. Some places don’t allow chickens at all, while others have limits on how many hens you can keep. It’s always better to know the rules up front before you begin planning.
#2. Know What You need for Baby Chicks
Caring for baby chicks is a whole different ballgame than looking after full-grown hens. Understanding their unique needs before you bring them home will make you feel more confident and prepared.
Chicks need a clean, dry, and protected area until they are big enough to go out to the coop at about 6-8 weeks old.
First, you’ll need a brooder—a safe, enclosed space to keep them warm and protected. A large box or a plastic bin can work, as long as it’s draft-free and gives them enough room to move around.
Chicks can’t regulate their body temperature yet, so you’ll need a heat source like a brooder lamp set to around 95°F for the first week. You can lower the temperature gradually each week as they grow.
Baby chicks need starter feed that’s packed with nutrients to support their early growth. Be sure to provide clean water in a shallow dish or a chick-safe waterer, so they won’t accidentally fall in and get wet.
#3. Grown Hens Need a Coop
A good coop isn’t just a place for your chickens to sleep; it also keeps your flock and their eggs protected from predators, bad weather, and anything else nature throws at them. There’ll be days when your chickens will need to stay inside longer, especially during storms or harsh winters, so making sure they have enough space to move around comfortably is key. Overcrowding can lead to stress, so aim for about 10 square feet per chicken to keep everyone happy.
Inside the coop, you’ll need a few essentials to keep things running smoothly.
- An automatic feeder and waterer.
- Nesting boxes are where your hens will lay their egg.
- A roosting area for your hens to perch on at night to sleep.
Whether you decide to build a small coop or go for a bigger, walk-in design, think about convenience too. A well-designed coop not only makes your chickens’ lives better but also makes caring for them a whole lot easier for you.
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#4. Understanding the Costs
Raising chickens involves both upfront and ongoing expenses, so it’s important to plan ahead. Besides the initial investment in a coop, your chickens, and possibly a permit, regular costs like feed and bedding will add up.
Chicken feed typically costs $20 to $50 for a 50-pound bag, depending on the type and where you buy it, with organic or specialty options being pricier. You’ll likely need to replenish feed every few weeks, depending on the size of your flock.
Bedding is another recurring expense since it needs to be replaced regularly to keep the coop clean and odor-free. Materials like straw or wood shavings are common choices.
It might seem like a lot at first, but as you get the hang of raising your flock, you’ll discover plenty of ways to cut costs and save along the way.
#5. The Work
Your coop and chickens will also need attention daily.
- Give fresh water daily.
- Add more feed to the chicken feeder.
- Spot clean manure to keep the coop smelling clean.
- Visually inspect your chickens looking for any issues.
Going on vacation may be a little tricky but can still be done. Keep a list of chores that you do each day that you can give to your temporary caregiver to refer to while you are away.
There’s not just one answer to how many chickens you’ll need. It depends entirely on your needs and the space you have to provide for them.
If you decide that raising chickens is the next step for you, you’ll certainly reap the benefits. Everything from delicious eggs to insect control in your garden. While it can be a little expensive to raise them, the benefits make it worthwhile.
