Are two roosters OK for a flock of 20 hens?

[Vinhos]

I recently inherited a small flock of older (3-4 yr-old) Araucana and RIR hens along with their faithful rooster....eight laying hens and the cockerel. I have plenty of space and am thinking of expanding the flock with an additional 12 birds that I plan to order this spring. In my chicken fever I've been doing a little online research and quickly came to this fantastic forum. Although I'm ordering sexed females, I know from previous experience to anticipate at least one male in the bunch. Was wondering if anyone had experience with more than one rooster in a flock this size and whether or not it is a good idea. All of the birds will live in the same coop.

On a similar note, are 20 hens too many for a single rooster to keep fertilized?

Thanks for the advice.

 

[bubblebean11]

I think 1 roo for 8-10 hens is about right. Good luck, so much fun!!!

 

[Teach97]

1 roo to 20 hens is pushing it for fertility...you could probably get away with 4 or so roos

 

[Quadog]

I asked this a couple days ago. Here's a link https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=287480

 

[95yj]

are you concerned about fertility or fighting, if its fighting your worried about don't, i'v got 4 roosters and 3 hens in my current pen with few problems. as for fertility, i clearly wouldn't know...

 

[kota1369]

Two roosters are ok for a flock of 20 hens. No problem.

the lady with the 4 dogs and city chickens

 

[Fowl97]

from what ive read i believe that 1 roos hens will b with him and roo2 will take his hens so there wont be fighting because they both have their own girls
*DISCLAIMER* i dont own any roos this is just what ive heard plz dont hold me responsibe

 

[rhoda_bruce]

We have something in common. My primary breed is RIR. I have 2 roosters for my 40something hens. I also have 3 americana hens and a few araucanas. Now when you say you have araucanas, you mean you have tufted, rumpless araucanas? Because if so, I would diffinetely segregate them. They are hard to come by.

 

[mmtillman]

from MO !!

 

[quiltnchik]

I have 3 roos and 11 hens and everyone gets along fine. They all seem to have established a pecking order and the hens are not being over-bred and/or mistreated by the boys. The boys also don't squabble much; the head rooster keeps his place and the other two know to give him a wide birth. You'll be fine