The number of backyard chickens you should get depends on several factors, including the amount of space you have, the amount of time and effort you are willing to put into caring for them, and your goals for keeping chickens. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine how many backyard chickens you should get:
- Space: Chickens need space to move around and exercise. The general rule of thumb is to allow 2-3 square feet of coop space per chicken and 8-10 square feet of outdoor space per chicken. So, if you have a small backyard, you may only be able to keep a few chickens, while a larger space may allow for a larger flock.
- Time and effort: Chickens require daily care, including feeding, watering, cleaning their coop and collecting eggs. Consider how much time and effort you are willing to put into caring for your chickens before deciding on how many to get.
- Goals: Do you want chickens primarily for fresh eggs or as pets? If you are mainly interested in eggs, you may want to get a larger flock to ensure a steady supply of eggs. If you want chickens as pets, a smaller flock may be more manageable.
In general, a good starting point is to get 2-4 chickens for a small family, 4-6 chickens for a medium-sized family, and up to 10 chickens for a larger family. However, it is important to do your research and consider your specific circumstances before deciding on the number of chickens to get.