Does it ever work to have 2 roosters in a small flock?

[VJK]

Oh, from the photos it just didn't look like a very red comb, though I could be mistaken. But a big red comb isn't the be-all end-all anyway... there are more important determining factors like the shape of saddle and hackle feathers which won't start showing for a few more weeks. And sometimes you just have to wait for crowing or eggs. No need to separate any birds just yet until you know for sure.
You can find tips on gender clues here:
Guide to Improving Your Identification Skills

Thanks! I'll look that information up (I was just hoping that maybe you knew something I didn't about that kind of chicken and that maybe getting the comb and wattles so young was normal for a pullet.... just wishful thinking here!)

 

[josie31655]

I have 5 leghorns (possibly about 2 years old) and my adult son talked me into getting a few chicks (ok, let's be honest- it wasn't a hard sell!). I picked out 2 ISA brown's (sex-links?) because I wanted to make sure I got pullets. My son went for one for they said were Wyandottes (one gold laced and one solid black one- though not really sure about the kind the black one is?). The gal at Tractor Supply was trying to be helpful and maybe a bit overly sure of herself in picking out pullets! I am a total newbie and was no help. At about 7 weeks old now, it's very obvious that one ISA Brown and one Wyandotte are cockerels. So here's the problem- I'm attached to all of them and so far they are all social and love attention, calm down when held, etc. I have heard the 2 cockerels will eventually fight and to expect that they're friendliness will diminish as hormones kick in. I really never wanted roosters at all being ours are not free-range (kept in 14x70 run with 6x8 coop) but also having a hard time knowing what to do or letting them go. (And sorry- just can't think about eating these guys- not an option- just couldn't do it!). So.... does it ever work out to have 2 roosters with just 7 hens?

I had 2 roosters from chicks and they did just fine. One of mine became the alpha and pulled the shots. They did get into fights occasionally but the one new who was boss.

 

[WELDON99]

OK, it's probably wrong but I have several roosters with my girls. One coop has 3 roosters with 11 hens, but they are all mostly mixed breed bantams. another coop has 7 birds with 3 being roosters, while still another coop has 1 rooster to 11 hens. No real problems have developed over the years but I do have a large covered coop for the roosters that have given me problems! I just sold 4 roosters and I have 2 more coops with young birds that have not been sexed, 5 in each coop. I can't let my birds free range because of all the critters around (I live in a wooded area) All my coops are covered, with roofs to provide shade and cover from the elements. I lost my Brahma Roo a few weeks ago to a water moccasin (who is no longer with us!!). Other than that, I've lost a few hens over the last 4 years to unknown causes.

Right now, I have 43 birds, in various stages, but all seem to do well together. I am slowly culling the Roos back and would like to get down to 1 per coop with maybe one coop with no Roo!

I engage with my flock just about every day. They will often be waiting by the door of their coop to great me and see if I have treats. Some will even come and eat out of my hand!