How Many Chickens Should I Get?
Short answer: For most families, 4–6 hens is the right starting flock. That's enough for about 2–3 dozen eggs a week in peak season. For a first order, we suggest 10–12 chicks. Shipping is the same $34.95 for anywhere from 6 to 25 chicks, so a dozen costs no more to ship than 6. Orders of 12 or more also get the Marek's vaccine free.
How many eggs will I get?
A good laying hen gives about 4–6 eggs a week in spring and summer, and fewer in winter. Use this as a rough guide:
| Eggs your household uses per week | Hens to keep |
|---|---|
| About 1 dozen | 3–4 |
| About 2 dozen | 5–6 |
| About 3 dozen | 7–9 |
| Extra eggs to share or sell | 10 or more |
High-production breeds like Rhode Island Reds (about 200–300 eggs a year) and White Leghorns lay more. Fancy and heritage breeds like Polish, Brahmas and Ayam Cemani lay less. See every breed's yearly egg count on our egg color chart.
Why we suggest 10–12 chicks
- Chickens are flock animals. Never keep just one. Three is the practical minimum.
- Same shipping. $34.95 ships anywhere from 6 to 25 chicks, and there's no small order fee.
- Free Marek's vaccine. Order 12 or more chicks and we vaccinate them all at no charge. Just check the vaccine box in your cart.
- Chicks travel well together. A fuller box helps chicks keep each other warm during the trip.
- More variety. A dozen lets you mix several breeds and egg colors.
- Easier than adding later. New birds need a quarantine period and a slow introduction to an existing flock.
Check your space first
Before you order, make sure your coop and run fit the flock you plan to have at full size, not chick size. A common rule of thumb is about 4 square feet per bird inside the coop and about 10 square feet per bird in the run. Also check your town or HOA rules. Many limit the number of hens and don't allow roosters.
How shipping affects how many to order
Shipping is priced by box size, so some quantities are a better value:
| Chicks | Shipping |
|---|---|
| 6–25 | $34.95 |
| 26–50 | $49.95 |
| 51–100 | $59.95 |
Shipping is the same $34.95 for anywhere from 6 to 25 chicks, so filling out your order costs nothing extra to ship.
You can mix breeds to reach any quantity as long as all chicks share the same hatch date. Orders of 50 or more qualify for our wholesale program. Local pickup is free with no minimum.
Not sure which breeds to mix?
Our ready-made chick bundles do the planning for you:
- Popular Breeds: 6 female chicks, a good first flock
- Family Friendly Flock: 10 gentle female chicks
- Best Layer Sampler: 15 top-laying female chicks
- Colorful Egg Basket: 15 female chicks that lay blue, chocolate and terracotta eggs
Common questions
Can I add more chickens later? Yes, but adding new birds to an existing flock takes a quarantine period and a slow introduction. Many people find it easier to start with the full number they want.
Do I need a rooster for eggs? No. Hens lay without a rooster. You only need one if you want fertile eggs to hatch.
What's the smallest order you ship? 6 chicks, or 2 started pullets.