4 Roos 9 hens

[15185503]

Hi all,
I am new to backyard chicken raising. I recently acquired a flock of 13 chickens, of all different breeds and ages. It looks like 4 are roosters, and 9 are hens. Am I going to run into major problems with this ratio? They are free ranging during the day and cooped at night. I feel bad potentially getting rid of the roosters, and so far they are all getting along.
Thanks!

 

[ThracianHorse]

Yes, you are going to have problems with that ratio. Your options all come down to removing at least 3 of the roosters either by:

1. Rehoming them
2. Butchering them.
3. Setting up a bachelor pad with roosters only.

If you just want chickens for eggs to eat, I would recommend just getting rid of all the roosters. There isn't much point to one unless you want to be hatching eggs. (unless you like roosters. Roosters aren't for everyone, though.)

 

[aart]

Hi all,
I am new to backyard chicken raising. I recently acquired a flock of 13 chickens, of all different breeds and ages. It looks like 4 are roosters, and 9 are hens. Am I going to run into major problems with this ratio? They are free ranging during the day and cooped at night. I feel bad potentially getting rid of the roosters, and so far they are all getting along.
Thanks!

How old are they?

Agrees with @ThracianHorse's post.

Oh, and Welcome to BYC! @15185503
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

I once had 3 roos and one hen. They free ranged and got along fine for years (added hens in that time). One sired a son, who became a real butthead and tormented all of the other roos, so I sentenced him to prison, and now life is back to normal. So I think it entirely depends on unknown factors whether they will get along or not. Time will tell.

 

[15185503]

How old are they?

Agrees with @ThracianHorse's post.

Oh, and Welcome to BYC! @15185503
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!
View attachment 1870764

The oldest roos are about 4-5 months old and the youngest is about 2-3 months.

 

[aart]

The oldest roos are about 4-5 months old and the youngest is about 2-3 months.

What are your goals for keeping chickens?
Much can depends on space too.
Do you plan on free ranging all winter?
If you don't plan on hatching out more chicks you don't need a male.
Female only flocks are easier to deal with, especially if this is your first year.
If you want a male, keep only one, and get rid of the rest asap.

 

[Matilda Belle]

I agree with what the others said. I had 6 roosters at one point all raised together. They all got along very well until one day they didn't. Hormones kicked in and let's just say there was blood everywhere. Not something I care to watch ever again. Get rid of the roosters.

 

[Mrs. K]

As Ridgerunner often says - they are animals, and do their own thing. But odds are not in your favor. If this is your first year, or if you have small children, I would strongly recommend culling or rehoming the roosters. Roosters need an experienced keeper. They can go from the darling to the nightmare in a moment.

Mrs K