[Hedge]

We were advised to go for two good layers and two "plodders"...  It's early days (couple of months) but we usually get 1 egg from each every day. 

We went with a Brown Hen, Babcock, Maran and Sussex.  So when the the Brown and Babcock start to slow down the Maran and Sussex should still be productive and then we can think about bringing some new birds into the flock.

That said I'm now thinking about quails and ducks and all sorts... 

[victoria_plum]

That's really interesting. I would go for four but I think they'd be too cramped in our run. When the dogs older ranging a lot wouldn't be too much of a problem but at first they'll be confined to a run.

It would be possible I guess to get two and then add two pure breeds later.

She doesn't have any full breeds available til July so I guess we could go elsewhere for one and try to get it the same day so they're all introduced together.

[Jomtie]

We were advised to get a minimum of 3 girls so that if you lose one for some reason you're not left with a bird on her own.

[victoria_plum]

Thanks for all your help everyone.

We have decided to go for three hybrids for lots of lovely eggs