I know I have way to many roosters at this time 4 RIR and @ 2 Bantams, in with 7 Black Giant, 4 RIR, 2 BO hens. I will be culling the roos this weekend. My question if I keep 1 or 2 roos ( 1RIR & 1Bantam) will they continue to mate so agressively, my poor RIR and BO's are harrassed to no end and are starting to look pityful. I let the roo's free range all day and keep the hens in their run so they have some peace but in the evening when they are let back in look out, the poor hens run for thier lives. I am seriosly thinking of culling ALL the roo's to give these hens some peace.
Good job on the management part of keeping a healthy flock. Ya , roo's can be a real pain if you don't have a seperate coop for them. The old term hen house really is the way to go if you want happy hens that aren't bothered with the roo's. This really causes the hens added stress they don't need. Serious chicken breeders have seperate breeding pens to share the space with the best in the flock..... roo's that run wild need alot of hens to keep them happy. Roo's can be brutal to the hens, and if you aren't in need of fertile eggs than you don't need a roo badgering the hens. While I would never be without one, having the proper facilities for everyone to be happy is the key to a happy, healthy, flock. bigzio
I have no real need for fertile eggs, but do love the sound of a crowing rooster but, I really hate seeing the hens tormented so. I will probably just cull them all and hear my last crow this week-end.
The less male competition, the less aggressively they mate. I always allow one rooster in with my layers. He is very gentle. But if another roo flies into their area, they both go a little overboard trying to spread their genes.
I wouldn't keep more than one roo in with 14 girls, if you're worried about aggresiveness. Try and spot out which one is the least agressive, and I'd keep him. If the agression continues after he's the only one in the flock, you could always just seperate him, even if he's with them during the day.
Yeah, more roos more stress. I say pick one that is your favorite and let him keep his hens in line. Good luck!