The decision to start keeping chickens is an exciting one, but as you figure out the logistics, many more decisions need to be made. Those who are new to chicken keeping might think one chicken will give them one egg a day. It is, however, pertinent to consider a number of other factors as well.

A chicken will not be able to lay 365 eggs in a year, even if it is the most prolific egg-laying breed. Taking a realistic view of your needs will help you decide the size of your chicken flock. Then we'll discuss all the other factors that may be overlooked.

What is the size of your family?​

The size of your family is one of the most significant factors to consider when choosing the size of your flock. You probably aren't ready to start raising two dozen hens if you have only two people.

The number of hens your family needs depends on the eating habits of your family, so it's difficult to give a blanket statement. Three chickens will generally produce one dozen eggs in a week. Accordingly, you would need six hens if you purchase two dozen eggs every week.

Because chickens are social animals, keeping fewer than 3 at a time isn't recommended. For every dozen eggs you purchase, multiply it by three hens to get an idea of how many you'll need.

1. Cooking with Eggs​

Occasionally, you may need extra eggs for baking projects. Farm fresh eggs are delicious and you may find yourself making scrumptious dishes all the time if you have access to them.

To guarantee that you always have fresh eggs for baking, you might want to add a few more hens.

2. Sharing Your Eggs​

Are you interested in sharing some eggs with your friends and neighbors? As soon as you start giving out delicious, fresh eggs, you'll become everyone's favorite.

If you'd like to earn a little bit of money, you can sell eggs in your area, though you probably won't earn much.

Breeds to Consider​

When choosing chickens, remember that not all breeds are the same. Generally, chickens lay four to five eggs per week, although some breeds lay more than others, while others may lay fewer than two or three eggs per week.

The three chickens per dozen rule could be influenced by your choice of chicken breed. Pay attention to each breed's egg production rate since it may differ from the average chicken's.

To ensure a productive, happy, and healthy flock, select the right chicken breed for your climate.

Breeds for egg production​

White Leghorns, Barred Rocks, and Rhode Island Reds, which are specifically bred for egg production, will almost always lay five or more eggs per week. The eggs produced by five of these chickens in a week can easily reach two dozen when the birds are in their peak performance.

Available Space​

It's also crucial to think about the available space for your flock, which isn't necessarily related to the amount of food your family consumes.

For chickens, a coop needs to have at least four square feet of space per bird. To contain chickens during the day, you'll need a run if you don't want them free-ranging throughout your property. There should be at least 10 square feet of space per chicken in a chicken run.

A chicken tractor is another option that keeps them safe while allowing them to explore various areas each day.

Consider the size of your property when deciding how many chickens you want for your family.

Ordering Your Chicks​

So you've decided what the correct number of chickens should be for your flock! But before ordering chicks, you might also want to think about a few other things before choosing a specific number.

It might be a wise idea to order a few extra birds just to be on the safe side. Despite what you may think, chicken math is real.

1. Taking Losses Into Account​

A small number of casualties can occur when ordering from a hatchery. There are times when a chick or two will not make it through shipping, and there are times when you might lose one while raising a fragile chick.

Having a few more chicks on hand in case something goes wrong is a smart idea.

2. Straight Run Chicks​

A "straight run" chick means it has not been sexed and is being sold as it hatches. Based on statistics, you can expect to have about 50% roosters.

In order to compensate for the roosters in your flock, you will need a minimum of 20 chicks if you want 10 hens. The cost of a straight run chick may be lower, but you have to plan on feeding and eventually culling half the flock.

3. Hatchery Errors​

The majority of hatcheries can only guarantee a 90% accuracy rate, so depending on the size of your order, you're likely to receive a rooster or two. In case of a potential mishap or error at the hatchery, you should add two extra chicks for every fifteen chicks you order.

Conclusion​

Homesteading and self-sufficiency can often start with a flock of chickens, which can often lead to many more initiatives. After you figure out how many birds you need, you can choose breeds and design your coop.