a family of say 4 need about 1 dozen hens they lay eggs approx. every other day. they stay close to their hen house.mine has a connected completely enclosed wire pen for days i'm gone.If you live close to someone or in town you could keep them penned. there are many hens just for eggs. others raised for meat. check out hatcherys on the internet. they will have info and pictures. then buy from someone close by. or a feed store.