Airyaman's rooster questions

[Airyaman]

So I hatched many eggs. Straight run as you can get. I'm pretty sure I've defined the roos in my first sub flock of 9 but I will likely be seeking advice on identifying soon.

That said, I know I have two Cream Legbar roos because they are auto-sexing and I've known since hatch day. I think my only Bielefelder is a male, but I didn't have another to compare him too. I believe at least one of my BJGs (supposed to be Bielefelders) is a roo.

So I've decided rather than start a thread about every rooster question that I have, I'd just make this thread and update it with the latest question. Because I have the space to at least attempt a "bachelor pad" and I live on 20 acres I own with no restrictions, I've decided to try that.

This is my first question: How long can a mature roo be away from the bachelor flock before it changes the relationships? I read an article on another site that says they only allow their roosters to be away for a few hours. Is that the best method that you've found?

Second question: is blocking site of hens sufficient or do you need more for those who are in the bachelor flock? My plans now are to block site with metal panels or similar.

Thanks for anyone who can provide some insight.

 

[Mrs. K]

A lot depends on your plans, are you just moving cockerels out of the laying flock to keep stress off your hens and they will live out their natural lives in the pad, or is it a temporary plan.

I have used a bachelor pad, but not a forever plan. Just until they get big enough to harvest.

I would not plan on pulling roosters in and out of the bachelor pad. That is going to just upset everyone. The hens in the laying flock, the bachelors when reintroduced. Chickens hate change.

The other thing is, sometimes bachelor pads work for a while, sometimes there is a bust up, and they solve it, and sometimes they keep at it. It is not a perfect solution that people sometimes think it is going to be.

Mine is a out of sight, but not out of sound.

Mrs K

 

[Airyaman]

Next question:

I am laying out run space. To save on materials, my plan is to have one main run split by chicken wire. The exterior of the main run will be hardware cloth, and only the divider will be chicken wire because it's just for chickens! So it will essentially have two runs.

That said, let's say there are two flocks in each run, divided only by chicken wire. Will that be an issue for roosters in separate runs? They will see each other but be separated by wire.

Or will I need something to reduce vision between the two runs?

Thanks!