2 roos and 4 hens

[smilinmama]

I have a very small flock that consists of 2 black star hens, 2 gold star hens, 1 white sussex rooster, and 1 barred rock rooster. They are about 4 months old and have been raised together. The white roo has established his supremacy without argument from the barred rock, but I am concerned that, as they get older, there will be more conflict, especially with so few hens. Also, the white is far larger than the hens, black/gold stars being a compact breed. How many hens do I need, and how much space for all of them? i have plenty of room to give them all the space they require.

 

[Den in Penn]

Welcome to BYC.
The number of hens per rooster varies a little with everyone setup being a little different. What most think of as good is around ten to twelve hens per rooster. Some have less. Being raised together helps them get along, still there may come a day when they don't. With enough hens and room it may never happen. The space for each chicken recommend on this site is four square feet per bird in the coop and ten square feet in the run. If you have twenty four birds that comes to ninety six sq. ft. in the coop and two hundred and forty in the run. And more space than required is always to the better. If you wonder why I used twenty four, that's eleven hens for each rooster.

 

[smilinmama]

Thanks for answering. they have ample space, in both coop and run. As I said, there has been no conflict, my concern is for the hens, who the Sussex has recently been biting on the back of the neck, presumably to mate. When I bought my chicks from a reputable local breeder, I thought I had asked all the right questions, but I now find myself wondering about how to properly manage my tiny flock. I know, for example, that hens begin laying at around 6 months. Can it happen sooner? If my Sussex tries to breed my hens is it too soon? They were all hatched 4/12/12. They have a beautiful portable coop as well as having large space in which to wander. Since the Sussex is so much larger than the hens, should I get hens that are more appropriate to his size? I have so many questions. . .

 

[Den in Penn]

Most breeds start around 20 weeks. Some earlier some latter. Your stars may start early. Cockerels mature faster than pullets. He may start to try to mate before they are ready. If they have the room to get away, for the couple of weeks till they mature they should be alright. Hens are usually smaller than the rooster. Unless the hens are bantams it should work out.