2 roosters 1 hen

[lululululu]

so I have 3 Sussex bantams
2 roosters
1 hen
they are 17 weeks old (4 months 1 week)
I have had them since they were 1 week old
They have established who the dominant one is.
They do not fight.
So far I have had no problems they are all quite tame and don't mind being handled (except in the mornings) however they won't let strangers get anywhere near them
The two roosters do crow (a lot)and do the dance for the hen.
in the mornings they chase each other around the yard and are quite annoyed but then settle down.
the two roosters have bright red comb and waddles but their spurs have just begun to grow but the hen still isn't laying (might be because of cold weather).
They will come running if called.
They are backyard chickens but we are in the process of converting them to indoor chickens.
We have no plans of getting another hen.
They have not started mating yet.
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
What problems do you think will arise?
And should I keep them like this?
No idea what I should do as they get along nicely however it might not stay like that.
If problems do occur what should I do?

 

[Hope Hughes]

Welcome to BYC!!!​

2 roos to 1 hen usually doesn't work out they will over mate the hen and possibly hurt or kill her. And they will start fight over the mating you hen. I would trade 1 roo for a hen to balance it out more so your one hen doesn't get to over mated. (Typically i would have more then 2 hens for a roo but that depends on the roo as well. )Just my opinion.

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

As the roos get older, they will most likely fight. No matter how nice they seem now, all roosters have an instinct to challenge the alpha. This WILL cause fights! Also, the 2 roos will over mate the hen and even possibly kill her. I would suggest keeping your favorite cockerel and getting 3+ more hens. The hen to roo ratio should be 10:1, but a minimum of 4 hens is ok. I know this might not be ideal, but it's the best thing for you and your flock. Good luck!

-Chatty

 

[cavemanrich]

Very likely problems are just waiting to occur. Their hormones will kick in and they will be over mating your hen. Suggested ratio is 1 rooster per about 10 hens. Your hen will be stripped of feathers on her back and neck. Other injuries can also happen. I know you are just keeping them for pets. That is also what I do. I have hens only.
The peeps that keep extra rooster usually have them for consumption. This way they live their intended life cycle, and are then there to provide us food. A better option than being discarded as day old cockerel chicks.
You may consider re homing them.
WISHING YOU BEST......

 

[lululululu]

We made the mistake of buying them unsexed from a local home business
anyone know a reliable supplier that can ship chicks? (in the UK)

 

[Hope Hughes]

I don't but you can always do a quick search and find out if there is a hatchery in your area or ships to your area. Hope it all works out!​

 

[cavemanrich]

Consider buying pullets that are already somewhat grown and easier to tell apart from cockerels. Sexlink chicks are the most sure way of getting what you want.

 

[lululululu]

Consider buying pullets that are already somewhat grown and easier to tell apart from cockerels. Sexlink chicks are the most sure way of getting what you want.

Thanks, ill look into the sexlink breeds

 

[lululululu]

Thanks for all your suggestions, I ended up rehoming the 2 roosters to a breeder and added 1 hen so the other hen isn't lonely

 

[aart]

Thanks for all your suggestions, I ended up rehoming the 2 roosters to a breeder and added 1 hen so the other hen isn't lonely

Good Move!
How are the girls getting along?