People always ask us what a good number is to start out with when it comes to laying hens. 6 is our magic number.
Chickens are herd animals and do best in a flock of 6 or more.
When people come to me as an expert in raising chickens and ask what a good docile breed is to start with, I always recommend my Texas Red Laying hens. If you are a newbie just starting out, or maybe you've been out of the game for a while - these chickens are big enough that they are easier to care for.
Do not make the mistake in buying chicks to start with if you have little to no experience raising chickens. So many more variables can go into raising a chick from the brooder on up. These mostly grown birds have just started lay or are at laying age. While I cannot control "when" they start to lay, most of my customers an expect eggs anywhere from the same day to six weeks from the time of pick up. Many factors can affect their laying ability. From stress (and moving households is stressful for them), to sunlight, weather changes, and feed quality. Laying Hens need 16 hours of sunlight a day to lay optimally, so take this into consideration when you pick up your new ladies. We are all on God's timing! I relate it to dogs and their first heat cycle. Most say 6 months is average, some take a little longer, some start a little earlier. It will probably feel like a forever waiting game if your chickens aren't laying eggs when you get them home. Rest assured, they will lay, and you will be overly happy at their productivity. On average you can expect 5 eggs per week out of each hen!
I tell people to go through each season with these birds (being a hardy and heat tolerant bird for Texas). Get the hang of what it is like dealing with poultry in the Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. After you've got the hang of that, then look at exploring or expanding your flock into different breeds, varieties, egg colors, or feather colors.
Not all chickens are created equal, some are more ornamental breeds (better to look at), some are better mothers, some are better layers. Be sure that what you are getting is what is going to suit you and your families needs.
To Read More about what all is in our Basic Chicken Starter Pack click on each link below.
These popular layers sell out fast! Order now to secure your flock. Ready to lay in weeks, not months! Our started pullets save your time and start producing fresh eggs faster than day-old chicks,
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Satisfaction guaranteed. Our customers trust us for healthy, productive layers. No brooder needed. Ready to integrate into your existing flock right away.
