Age to have enough pullets for cockerels?

[NNations]

At what age do I need to make sure we have enough pullets to cockerels? I was assuming we need to make sure we had 5 pullets to a cockerel and have them all integrated by 18 weeks which is what I have read is when they start laying? But I don't want to make an assumption that could cost a life. Our original flock is about 12 weeks old and we have 3 cockerels (2 bantams and 1 polish) and 1 pullet (bantam) from the original flock. We have integrated 3 more pullets (not bantams but a little younger) so now we have a total of 3 cockerels & 4 pullets. We don't want to get rid our cockerels so we are going to add more pullets to make everyone happy. What age does this process need to be done by to make sure no cockerels fight or pullets get too much attention? And if any of my thinking or research is wrong like pullet to cockerel ration, etc please let me know. I am new at this. Currently everyone free ranges and are only closed up at night for protection, not sure if that matters on the count but just in case it does wanted to share. Thank you!

 

[keesmom]

If you absolutely cannot part with any of the males maybe consider having 2 coops and segregating the sexes. Free range on alternating days. The cockerels will be ready to mate long before the pullets anyway. Having them already separated will help to avoid a lot of juvenile drama and traumatized pullets.

 

[NNations]

If you absolutely cannot part with any of the males maybe consider having 2 coops and segregating the sexes. Free range on alternating days. The cockerels will be ready to mate long before the pullets anyway. Having them already separated will help to avoid a lot of juvenile drama and traumatized pullets.

We only have coops for eating and sleeping basically, our chickens free range sun up to sun down. We live out in the country so we have land and lots of cover for them. We've had them since they were 2 days old and I've been told since they have grown up together they'll be fine together as long as their are enough pullets for them. Is this not true?

 

[lazy gardener]

This is not true. While allowing 24/7 free range will reduce some of the stress from overbreeding, it will not eliminate it. What you can expect: Your cockerels, if there are more than one of them, will gang up on the weakest pullet. They will run her down, and work together to pin her to the ground while they practice their breeding skills on her. Often one cockerel will be on top while the other is in the front, excitedly pecking her head as he waits for his turn. After they're done with this pullet, they'll move on up the ladder. Cockerels are absolutely brutal when it comes to the dating game. No etiquette what so ever. It takes about a year for a cockerel to mature, get his hormones settled and become a bit more of a gentleman.

While you want to keep your cockerels b/c you've raised them since they were chicks, the reality of it is this: A single roo will provide good fertility for up to and perhaps more than 25 hens in a back yard flock. Even at this ratio, there will be a number of hens who are bare backed. I would not subject my pullets or hens to more than one roo. And any cockerels in my flock are confined to a grow out pen the minute they start getting uppity with the gals.

 

[song of joy]

I would highly recommend a grow-out pen for the cockerels, as they will harass the pullets to no end. I usually segregate cockerels when they start chasing and trying to breed the pullets - usually by 12 weeks of age.

As far as ratios are concerned, 1 rooster for every 10 hens is plenty. 1 per 15 hens would be even better. Actually, unless you intend to hatch chicks from your own flock, consider whether or not it's even worth the hassle to have a rooster(s).

 

[aart]

The 'rooster' to hen ratio of 1:10 that is often cited is primarily for fertility efficiency in commercial breeding facilities.
It doesn't mean that if a cockbird has 10 hens that he won't abuse or over mate them.
Many breeders keep pairs, trios, quads, etc
It all depends on the temperaments of the cock and hens and sometimes housing provided.
Backyard flocks can achieve good fertility with a larger ratio.

 

[lazy gardener]

My roo had 24 hens till I sold a bunch of them. Recent set of eggs resulted in 100% fertility. I just put him into a separate coop/run b/c several of the hens have too much roo wear on their backs.

 

[Susan12]

My Cochin bantam roosters will fight too the death even if raised together.we found this out the hard way.the large breeds just fight till they decide who the boss is.

 

[Chickassan]

I would just pick a favoriate and go with that one. Keeping them all will tie up resources and space you could use for your girls and create drama even in your rooster pen if the boys can still see the girls. You are in a weird spot, no older hens or an established rooster to teach any manners to your boys so there is a real chance you'll end up with some very unruly cockrels!

 

[NNations]

This is not true. While allowing 24/7 free range will reduce some of the stress from overbreeding, it will not eliminate it. What you can expect: Your cockerels, if there are more than one of them, will gang up on the weakest pullet. They will run her down, and work together to pin her to the ground while they practice their breeding skills on her. Often one cockerel will be on top while the other is in the front, excitedly pecking her head as he waits for his turn. After they're done with this pullet, they'll move on up the ladder. Cockerels are absolutely brutal when it comes to the dating game. No etiquette what so ever. It takes about a year for a cockerel to mature, get his hormones settled and become a bit more of a gentleman.

While you want to keep your cockerels b/c you've raised them since they were chicks, the reality of it is this: A single roo will provide good fertility for up to and perhaps more than 25 hens in a back yard flock. Even at this ratio, there will be a number of hens who are bare backed. I would not subject my pullets or hens to more than one roo. And any cockerels in my flock are confined to a grow out pen the minute they start getting uppity with the gals.

Oh my goodness I had no idea they would try to gang bang them. So far they have been gentlemen to them letting them know when they find something good to eat, danger alert and even trying to make her nest all cozy BUT I know their hormones are just now starting to develop so we need to prepare for sure. Thank you for telling me this!! How big is your grow out pen?