How Many Chickens Should You Have for a Family of 4?

If you’re dreaming of collecting fresh eggs for your family every morning, you need to know how many hens to keep. Factors such as your family’s egg consumption, the productivity of each hen and coop space requirements influence flock size. Below you’ll find guidelines to help you plan.

Egg Production per Hen

• Hens start laying around six months of age and can lay roughly six eggs per weekextension.umn.edu. Peak production occurs in the first two years.
• Egg output declines during molting (late autumn) and as hens ageextension.umn.edu.

Estimating Your Flock Size

• Egg needs: If your family of four eats about two dozen eggs per week (including baking), you’ll want a flock that consistently produces at least 24 eggs weekly.
• Hens needed: Since each hen lays around six eggs weeklyextension.umn.edu, 4–5 hens supply 24–30 eggs. Adding a couple of extra birds ensures a buffer during off‑season or molting.
• Breed considerations: High‑production breeds such as Rhode Island Reds, Sussex and Australorps are hardy and well‑suited for backyard flocks.

Coop Space Requirements

• The University of Minnesota Extension recommends 3–5 square feet of indoor coop space per laying henextension.umn.edu. For a flock of six hens, plan for at least 18–30 sq ft inside.
• Include roosts (8–10 inches of perching space per hen) and nest boxes (one box per four to five hens)s3.amazonaws.com.

Care Tips for a Small Family Flock

• Diet: Provide a balanced layer feed, fresh water and supplemental calcium for strong eggshellsextension.umn.edu.
• Predator proofing: Secure the coop and run with hardware cloth and lock hens inside at nightextension.umn.edu.
• Routine: Collect eggs twice daily and clean bedding weekly to minimize odors and pestsextension.umn.edu.

Conclusion

A family of four generally thrives with 5–7 hens, depending on your appetite for eggs. Focusing on productive breeds and proper coop space ensures healthy birds and a reliable egg supply. Once you’re ready for your own flock, explore our sturdy coops designed for 4–8 hens at Chicken Coop Shop.