I am curious about what aspects help you decide what cockerel to keep in regards to a mixed flock? I am aware this is a fairly open ended question and really comes down to individual goals, available space, current breeds etc. But in terms of a heritage breed mixed flock with the goal simply being happy, healthy chickens for both meat and egg production, is there really even any specifics here?
Personally, I just want happy, healthy birds, delicious eggs and some dinner on the table from time to time. I have two cockerels and five pullets. For cockerels I have a choice between a light brahama, or an easter egger, the later is half the size of the former. With my pullets I have a Canadian bresse, lavender merans and a black australorp. I also have an easter egger who is the same (small) size as the cockerel and my main concern is the size difference between her and the light brahama and if he might injure her.
I am also considering keeping a rooster flock. Where I intend to hatch my own chickens eggs inevitably, there will be more cockerels coming. In keeping a cockerel/rooster flock, I know they need their own space, but do they need to have their own separate coop? Or can I have a sectioned off part of the same coop, and a sectioned off part of the same run for each? If the cockerels/roosters can see the pullets/hens does this create issues? Or is that only when they are with them? I have been finding mixed information in regards to this and am simply looking for some clarification or personal experience in regards to keeping a rooster flock.
My two cockerels. Quite the size difference.
Personally, I just want happy, healthy birds, delicious eggs and some dinner on the table from time to time. I have two cockerels and five pullets. For cockerels I have a choice between a light brahama, or an easter egger, the later is half the size of the former. With my pullets I have a Canadian bresse, lavender merans and a black australorp. I also have an easter egger who is the same (small) size as the cockerel and my main concern is the size difference between her and the light brahama and if he might injure her.
I am also considering keeping a rooster flock. Where I intend to hatch my own chickens eggs inevitably, there will be more cockerels coming. In keeping a cockerel/rooster flock, I know they need their own space, but do they need to have their own separate coop? Or can I have a sectioned off part of the same coop, and a sectioned off part of the same run for each? If the cockerels/roosters can see the pullets/hens does this create issues? Or is that only when they are with them? I have been finding mixed information in regards to this and am simply looking for some clarification or personal experience in regards to keeping a rooster flock.
My two cockerels. Quite the size difference.