I ordered ten 'female' Barred Rock chicks, lost two in transit. Of the 8 remaining, 6 are roosters. I had no idea I had anything to be concerned about until I called the hatchery today. The lady asked me if I was going to slaughter the roosters. Now I am trying to figure out what to do. I easily found someone who would take the hens, but my daughter is not pleased with that option. I have been reading through all the threads to try and figure out how doable it is to keep the roosters. They all get along at this point as they have been raised together. Will this last? I saw where some people have separated the hens from the roosters and allow them to free-range on different days. When they say it works as long as the roosters don't see the hens, I can't figure out how to accomplish this. I guess if neither is free range, then they could not see each other, but the reason we got chickens in the first place was for bug control in the yard.
Since I can re-home the hens easily, I feel like I can offer the best for everyone by choosing that option, if the roosters continue to get along. But we are bummed to miss out on the egg laying experience. Any suggestions or ideas from people are welcomed!!! The chickens are 16 weeks old so I know we have to do something soon!
Since I can re-home the hens easily, I feel like I can offer the best for everyone by choosing that option, if the roosters continue to get along. But we are bummed to miss out on the egg laying experience. Any suggestions or ideas from people are welcomed!!! The chickens are 16 weeks old so I know we have to do something soon!