Hello! We have been thinking of keeping some hens for some time now and have finally ordered a 9ft x 15 ft run and a greenfrogdesign 'large chicken lodge' that is said to be suitable for up to 8 large fowl. I am very excited about this but also a bit overwhelmed by the information that is out there regarding keeping chickens, so hoping that you lovely ladies could help with some very basic (sorry!) questions I have!
- is keeping fewer birds always better if they are restricted to a pen? for example would getting 3 hybrids in the above be better as they would have more space per hen in the pen + house OR do they get more comfort from a larger flock in the available space due to their social nature?
- if we would get 3 hens, could we get three different varieties of hybrids or would it be better for peace in the pen to get 3 of one variety?
- if you do have any suggestions of very friendly hybrids that are ok with being confined to the limited space (and a 21 mo DD and 3.5 yo DS running around in the garden next to them), please let me know! At the moment I have a Sussex Star, Chalk Hill Blue and Speckledy (not sure whether these are happy to be restricted to a pen though, so any experience in this regard much appreciated too! ) shortlisted
Thanks!