Chickens mating questions

[Magicalflowers]

Hello! I’m back with another question! I read that a ratio 10 hens to 1 rooster is the healthy amount and that if you have less hens that’s bad for the hens. I have 1 rooster to 4 hens. Is that okay? Where should I check to make sure my hens are healthy?

 

[sourland]

As long as there is no feather loss or physical damage to the hen's sides there should be no concerns. If the hens are being overmated, you can remove the rooster and place him back with the hens periodically for 'conjugal' visits. @The Moonshiner has given several good posts on methods of assuring and duration of fertility.

 

[llombardo]

Hello! I’m back with another question! I read that a ratio 10 hens to 1 rooster is the healthy amount and that if you have less hens that’s bad for the hens. I have 1 rooster to 4 hens. Is that okay? Where should I check to make sure my hens are healthy?

I have 2 roosters(well roosters to be--they are still under a year), only one with the girls. He is on the larger side and there are 6 girls. He has been really good with them. He doesn't overmate, doesn't force them(if they get away he don't Chase them), no feather loss and they all seem to like him a lot.

 

[The Moonshiner]

That 10 to 1 ratio is just one of many of what I call suburban legends when it comes to chickens.
I keep pairs, trios, quads etc usually without issues. It depends on the rooster. I've had a couple that were to rough or to active so I added more hens.
Like sourland said you'll start seeing feather loss or damage if a hens getting over bred and then you can make adjustments.
I hardly ever have a ratio that high. If I have 10 hens in a pen I keep two roosters with them.
No multiple roosters in a breeding pen is another suburban legend.

 

[Skipper81]

Have to let eggs get to room temp then throw them into incubator for a few days then candle them to find out if they are fertile. If they are young the eggs are fertile believe me. Takes 1 time mating to get fertile eggs for 3 weeks. Happy hatching

 

[aart]

Hello! I’m back with another question! I read that a ratio 10 hens to 1 rooster is the healthy amount and that if you have less hens that’s bad for the hens. I have 1 rooster to 4 hens. Is that okay? Where should I check to make sure my hens are healthy?

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.

 

[adstowe]

Are you wanting to incubate eggs and that is why you are concerned about fertility rate or were you just concerned that you couldn't eat fertile eggs? (As was mentioned, there is zero noticeable difference). If you want to know if your eggs are fertile look up "fertile egg vs non fertile" on google images. Notice the bull's eye ring and then crack one of yours and see if it has it.

 

[The Moonshiner]

 

[adstowe]

I was trying to make it into a fun science project. You didn't have to go and cut out half the steps!

 

[Magicalflowers]

Wow thanks for all the info! I really appreciate it!