Down to one rooster this morning, need advice

[Rooster Don]

I have 21 hens, and had 3 roosters till this morning. I saw two roos all bloody and they were fighting it out to the death. First sign of aggressive behavior which was very shocking. I have had to cull roosters that went mean in the past, but these guys were going all the way. So I took care of them and now have one rooster, who was my #1 anyway, a real stud and great protector.

So what happens when you have 1 rooster for 21 hens? Is this bad for the rooster? I know for fertilizing eggs you need 1 rooster per 8-10 hens, but I never knew if not following those numbers caused problems of any kind. I don't want to do the rooster thing again unless for some reason having only one now is bad for him. I am assuming the hens are fine no matter what, sense a rooster is not even required for people who have only hens.

Thank you.

 

[redsoxs]

I don't think that many hens for one rooster is a concern at all - unless you are trying to guarantee that all eggs get fertilized. I think he will be a happy camper now that he has his harem to himself.

 

[Rooster Don]

Thank you. I was thinking the same thing. I think the ladies will be happier too.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

It's just fine.It's better for the hens,and him.

My rooster at one point was with only 22 hens with just himself,now he has a partner.

 

[donrae]

Folks love to quote that "1 rooster per 8-10 hens" like it's a magical, set in stone ratio. It's not.

It's simply the most effective ratio for a breeding pen. It ensures the best fertility of all the hens, while ensuing enough hens to spread the rooster's attention a bit. For large breeding operations, it's the optimal ratio. For backyard flocks, any number of different arrangements work well.

I've often run one rooster with my main layer flock, up to 2 dozen hens. I have wonderful fertility if the rooster is 4 years or under. After that, fertility does seem to decline, especially with more hens and depending on time of year.

Your rooster is not going to over stress himself trying to mate all the hens. If anything, you'll have the happiest, most content rooster around

And if you're waning to hatch chicks, you should still have good fertility. One mating can ensure fertility for a good 2 weeks.

 

[dekel18042]

I have 21 hens, and had 3 roosters till this morning. I saw two roos all bloody and they were fighting it out to the death. First sign of aggressive behavior which was very shocking. I have had to cull roosters that went mean in the past, but these guys were going all the way. So I took care of them and now have one rooster, who was my #1 anyway, a real stud and great protector.

So what happens when you have 1 rooster for 21 hens? Is this bad for the rooster? I know for fertilizing eggs you need 1 rooster per 8-10 hens, but I never knew if not following those numbers caused problems of any kind. I don't want to do the rooster thing again unless for some reason having only one now is bad for him. I am assuming the hens are fine no matter what, sense a rooster is not even required for people who have only hens.

Thank you.

I think what is meant is hens seem happier when there are 8-10 of them per rooster. Usually I like a rooster and a back-up rooster (With all the roosters around, just the time you need one seems to be the time you can't find one.) but last spring found myself with only one rooster and 24 hens and I had 100% fertility and hatchability in the eggs I incubated.
It may all depend on your rooster's breed and age, but I wouldn't worry about your numbers unless you're trying to hatch eggs and having problems.