Brahma brothers

[mamabear2005]

I have 1 dark brahma rooster and one buff brahma rooster that have been raised with their 4 hens since they were 1 week old. They are now around 5 months and getting along great so far. From what I've been reading this is not going to be enough hens. My boys are so handsome and good natured I'd be willing to get them some more ladies if needed! What would the minimum be for each of them? Is is better to do it now when they are all young or would waiting til spring be an option (to hand raise)? Any info is welcome, it's my first flock and I'm super attached!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I don't know where you are from, I personally would wait until next spring as integrating young ones works better if the older ones are adults. Be prepared to separate out one rooster or two depending on how they behave, thankfully roosters mate less in winter, but by spring they may be too much together, you could alternate them, one in one out, or separate both until things settle. I do understand liking roosters, just be prepared to step in to help out your hens if they are getting mated too much.

I would recommend a minimum of 8 per rooster, I think 12 is recommended, though it can depend on the roosters, some mate more often than others, and if you rotate them than you could have less hens.

 

[RJSorensen]

In reading this query I concur that you would need at least eight hens per rooster. On the topic of adding birds, i am of the 'get er done' camp. Those roos will be mauling those hens in the spring. Nothing is as unflattering as a first year rooster, they know nothing and have so much to learn. I would be tempted to get your birds now and work them in when you can. The larger the flock the better for everyone. The lead time in birds is half a year at best, so you may be in the same place you are today, if you don't start sooner.

Of course you can wait, only you know what is right for you and your birds, and what you are willing to do and or put up with to reach your stated goal. Consider buying a couple of 'spare' hens for replacements, should you loose some. I swear that birds run around all day looking for ways to kill themselves. Anyway you sound like you are on the right track, enjoying birds is an honor…

Best to you and your flock,

RJ

 

[Mrs. K]

Truthfully, it would be best if you just pulled both of the roosters for a couple of months. This will allow your pullets to catch up, they probably are not quite ready for roosters, and if not yet, very soon the roosters will be more than ready for hens. Juvenile roosters can really stress pullets, especially when you have too many roosters for the number of hens. But really, I am not sure if there IS enough hens for a juvenile rooster (just kidding).

This will allow everyone to grow up. If the roosters are kept together, away from the hens, they should continue to get along. When you put them back into the flock, they either will work it out, or there could be fighting, and sometimes extreme fighting. It is kind of a crap shoot. Some roosters also just get mean, and you can only find out, by waiting and seeing.

I think it is AArt who says, if you keep roosters, you need a way to separate the roosters into different quarters already set up, cause if it goes bad, you need it right now. You don't have time to make arrangements then. I would add, if you keep rooster, you need a sharp knife, cause some do not work out.

MRs K

 

[hawsecav19d]

You may also want to check out hen saddles as means to protect your hens from over mating. Someone here at Backyard Chickens all ready has thread for selling them. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/463340/chicken-hen-saddles-aprons-diapers-harnesses-custom-made

 

[mamabear2005]

Thanks for all your input. Looks like my next step is setting up a separate space! I guess just a smaller coop and run attached to the first will work (sharing the fence line)? I figured I'd need one eventually anyways since they seem to be used in many different situations. It's sad that I feel bad about breaking up the bunch

I need to toughen up! I think I'll be better after these first 6...hopefully...

 

[bobbi-j]

You may also want to check out hen saddles as means to protect your hens from over mating. Someone here at Backyard Chickens all ready has thread for selling them. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/463340/chicken-hen-saddles-aprons-diapers-harnesses-custom-made

Hen saddles may keep them from getting bare-backed, but they do nothing to relieve the stress of the constant chasing and mating that occurs. When I had too many roosters in my flock, they chased those poor pullets so much they were hardly able to eat or drink. (that didn't last long...)

 

[mamabear2005]

I've seen it all now, chicken strollers, harnesses , now a saddle! I think I would relocate before it came to that, but good to know

I'm almost hoping one will turn mean, that would make it easier to solve the problem.