A bad idea?

[K_UU]

So, my final "hen" crowed this morning. We processed the other roos on Saturday, hoping that my "hen" was a hen. Out of ten chicks we got 7 cockerels. UGH.
I had decided to keep the quietest cockerel. Ernest is a PB Speckled Sussex and just gorgeous, he has never attacked another bird or person. He is very sweet and passive. Joey, not so much. He's been a bit of a dick since day one. I was just really hoping for some blue eggs lol.

Anyway, is it possible to keep one quiet, passive (so far!) rooster with 3 hens? We plan to raise chicks again in the spring as I'd like 6-7 hens total. But it would be next fall before he could mate with them. I don't know how roos are over the long Canadian winter. My hens haven't started laying and he hasn't attempted mounting or anything yet (they are 4.5 months old) Am I setting my ladies up for abuse? I really don't want to bring outside hens in at this point.

 

[BGcoop]

The birds should do fine through the winter as long as they have adequate shelter to stay out of the wind and dry( lots of ventilation in the coop). While your rooster/hen ratio is not ideal it is doable, just watch for signs of stress to the hens. Also be aware that while he is quiet and passive NOW, as his hormones change that could change as well.

 

[aart]

My hens haven't started laying and he hasn't attempted mounting or anything yet (they are 4.5 months old) Am I setting my ladies up for abuse? I really don't want to bring outside hens in at this point.

Only time will tell.
Even adding more pullets would not necessarily solve the problem of a 'bad' cockerel.
Best of cLuck!

 

[One Lucky Momma]

Every situation is different...

that said, my neighbors’s flock consists of three hens and a roo, all of different breeds. The roo is the quintessential Main Man. They are the best yard art, free ranging In a little cluster as he keeps them rounded up. They‘re older, so I’ve not witnessed them going thru that awkward adolescent phase, but clearly they got through it. So it can be done!

Good luck!