Best Roo to hen ratio to ensure eggs are fertile?

[Azriel]

I'm setting up my breeding pens now, and would like to start hatching in Jan. Is 1 Roo to 10 hens a good ratio, would 2 roos to 7-8 hens be too many. I don't want the hens to be over used, but do want the eggs to be fertile.

 

[cmom]

1 male to 10 females is a good ratio. I have 9 female RIRs with 1 male and I don't get many infertile eggs when I hatch them. I have 28 with 2 boys in another pen and I know that that is asking a lot from the boys but 4 aren't laying yet. I do plan on moving the 4 in with the RIRs.

 

[fowlsessed]

I would go with a ratio of about 1 roo to 8 hens.

 

[jh7192]

One rooster to 10 hens is a good ratio. Commercial breeding flocks use this number and consistently achieve near 100% egg fertility.