3 roosters too many for 18 hens?

[markangie28]

I have 8 full grown laying hens, 10 pullets which are 10 weeks old, and 3 roosters also 10 weeks old. 2 of the roosters are bantam cochins, so only one rooster will be full sized like the hens. Is this too many roosters for he hens? I was hoping with 2 of the three roosters being bantam, that maybe I can keep them all.

 

[sourland]

Given enough space that the bantam roosters can keep out of the way of the large rooster it may work. I'd give it a try. If in the future it results in too much fighting or wear and tear on the hens, you can then move to plan B.

 

[donrae]

With animals, there are guidelines but no hard and fast rules. The best answer is try it and see how it goes

Space is going to be your biggest issue, I think. Space for the roosters to stay out of each other's way, space for the hens to get away from the roosters. The roosters may get along fine with each other, but that's a lot of rooster for that number of hens. Keep a good eye on them for signs of overmating or stress. If worst comes to worst, you can build a bachelor pad for the little guys if you're set on keeping them.

 

[ErikaSmit]

Following, I have 4 roo's and around 20 hens....

 

[Eggcessive]

They should be okay. I have a banty in with my head rooster. Some banties like to fight though, so just keep an eye out on them. If all 3 were large fowl, I would say that your hens would be bare-baked in no time.

 

[markangie28]

We do have 1 acre fenced in and they all free range all day. Lots of trees and bushed to hide in. As long as they will share the chicken house, we may be okay. I will hope for the best!