2007-03-27 11:46:44 · 18 answers · asked by Sazzy 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
It is good to get several because they are naturally social animals so they tend to be more happy in groups and feel more comfortable around other chickens. They will be less nervous, and it will make a noticable difference. Also, you should just get them and raise them from little chicks. All you have to do is keep them under a heat lamp for the first few weeks in a cardboard box. Also this way you can raise them, hand feed them, let them get used to you, and they will be much more tame. We used to have chickens that we raised from little chicks and they were so tame that when we walked close to them they would run to our feet and lay down and wait to be picked up and pet. They are actually not bad pets as long as you socialize them so get them young and condition them.
2007-03-27 11:58:14 · answer #1 · answered by Ray G 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i have raised chickens since i was a child... if you get less than three at any time they can more easily become aggitated, scared and begin literally to pick each other to death . three isnt really a good amount you need five.the best time to get them is newly hatched and put care into them as pets. chickens , like dogs have inherent traits depending on the breed. some breeds are more flighty than others. but all can be good watchdogs and learn many tricks. i have tried different breeds over the years and if your place is small you want something like a buff orphington. they are extremely smart and learn the quickest and identify with only one person. if you need any help let me know by email or im and i am happy to help :) good luck
2007-03-27 19:01:35 · answer #2 · answered by gemstyx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It does depend on the size of your yard. If you have a bigger yard, you could have more chickens. Just keep in mind that more chickens equals more poop and more mess. Otherwise, chickens are great pets. I think that it's best to get a chicken when it's a chick because you could spend a lot of time with it and that will really make it close to you.
2007-03-27 18:56:50 · answer #3 · answered by NewFoundStory 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Oh, you'll have great fun! I love my pet chickens. I thing people say the minimum is too because they are quite social animals and communicate with each other. Oh course it will depend how much room you have. They do need space, so I wouldn't get too many if you only have a small garden.
Good Luck, you'll love them!
2007-03-28 06:33:37 · answer #4 · answered by Rebecca W 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get at least 3, because they are flocking birds. They also have a pecking order, if you have 2 the boss will bully the other all day.
Get 12 week old point of lay pullets (advertised as p.o.l.), they are just about to start laying eggs, but have got throught the tricky chick period.
When you get your next batch, you can try younger ones; but not til you've got a bit of experience looking after them.
http://www.smallholder.co.uk/
Theres loads of good websites online.
2007-03-28 05:13:58 · answer #5 · answered by sarah c 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I suggest before getting chickens, you go to dels or your local feed store and get a book on care of chicks and chickens.
there is alot to it..and if you plan on getting chicks you need to prepare for mortality issues..you think goldfish drop dead alot...baby chicks die faster!! (even if you do everything you should)
I like to get them about 6 months give or take..that is about the time they start laying..they are out of the "baby chick danger" age..and they don't need the heat and baby chick food. 3 is a good amount to have..
also, by 6 months you can for sure tell the difference between hens and roosters (if you live close to your neighbors they will thank you for not getting roosters)
in spite of all that tv tells us..roosters don't only crow in the morning..they crow all day long-only stopping after dark...it can get quite annoying and will drive your poor neighbors nuts!
2007-03-27 19:37:49 · answer #6 · answered by spottedmyappy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never heard that. It depends on what you want them for, if for eggs, than you want them fully grown, they will now lay eggs until then, and when they do start laying, then they will be small, and not consistent. If you want them for pets, then get them young. Just don't touch them more than necessary when they are chicks. They can literally be touched to death (I found this out the hard way). As for the number, that too depends on what you want them for, and where you live. If you want them for pets, then start with a few, too many and they will become their own flock and not your pets. I hope you enjoy your pets. I have to warn you though, once you get used to fresh eggs, you will not want to eat any boughten egg.
2007-03-27 19:06:54 · answer #7 · answered by cookie monster 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
um 3 is not the limit that u can have
but depends where ur going to have them at
my aunt has 6 chickens and 1 rooster
they are doin fine in a small yard
and good luck with the chickens and dont forget u said they are ur pets so DONT EAT THEM!!!!!
2007-03-27 19:01:07 · answer #8 · answered by cowgirl09 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on where you live and how big your yard is, if its only small I'd stick to 3 because more than that will be too hard to handle. Get them when they are chicks because they are so cute and you can hand raise them if you want. By the way make sure you keep them locked up at night because they can be killed by roaming dogs
2007-03-27 18:50:56 · answer #9 · answered by f_jayce 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should get chicks because they are ADORABLE and they will live longer than if you get an adult (baby-death or adult-death if u know what I mean) They lay lots of eggs, and you'll have lots of chickens in no time.
2007-03-27 18:56:59 · answer #10 · answered by yummy_applesauce 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋