Thank you for your infoFor your hens sake, I recommend only keeping one. Although ten per rooster is recommended, you could probably get away with 7-8 per rooster since they're a heavier breed. With as few of hens as you have, they'll get worn and defeathered. It's much easier just to deal with one rooster because six is a bit low for one even
very helpful
Everything depends on individual personality no matter what folks and guidelines say.. They are said with good reason, BUT.. sometimes we roll with it.Thank you for your info
The reason 2 cockerels is too much for 6 hens is because together, they will over mate the females. That will show physically with loss of feathers and will stress then out. I'd pick one and stick with 1 unless you plan on getting more girls.
Thank you so much. As will many other things I guess context is important. Thanks againEverything depends on individual personality no matter what folks and guidelines say.. They are said with good reason, BUT.. sometimes we roll with it.
I have 2 cockerels and 4 pullets.. just reached mating age.. 6 months and zero issues.. yes, they have fall outs as any sibling or room mate will. It has gotten bloody but with plenty of room to get away and simmer down, it's turned to mostly posturing and they hang out and roost together otherwise. My ladies are NOT over mated and I'm NOT using saddles.
If I had to choose only one for the hens sake I would keep the large fowl roosters.. banties got plenty of heart but many of my ladies won't have anything to do with them. And they are often the most off balance, meaning lacking manners and common sense.
I DO agree though that one rooster IS easier than two.
Just the other day one boy stayed with the main flock and the other boy helped a lady choose a nesting site.
Even with plenty of ladies if a rooster chooses a favorite.. some may be mounted excessively and others not at all.
When keeping a stag pen more boys are better than fewer.
Please figure out what works for YOUR flock.
As fate would have it I now have three "stag pens"; I paid for 22 three week old " pullets", nine "turned into" roos. A great disappointment, but, I've kept them all; me thinks culling time is on the horizon - as I already had 4 roos of different breeds. It's too much testosterone for my little old yard - glad my nearest neighbors love to be bribed with the eggs.Everything depends on individual personality no matter what folks and guidelines say.. They are said with good reason, BUT.. sometimes we roll with it.
I have 2 cockerels and 4 pullets.. just reached mating age.. 6 months and zero issues.. yes, they have fall outs as any sibling or room mate will. It has gotten bloody but with plenty of room to get away and simmer down, it's turned to mostly posturing and they hang out and roost together otherwise. My ladies are NOT over mated and I'm NOT using saddles.
If I had to choose only one for the hens sake I would keep the large fowl roosters.. banties got plenty of heart but many of my ladies won't have anything to do with them. And they are often the most off balance, meaning lacking manners and common sense.
I DO agree though that one rooster IS easier than two.
Just the other day one boy stayed with the main flock and the other boy helped a lady choose a nesting site.
Even with plenty of ladies if a rooster chooses a favorite.. some may be mounted excessively and others not at all.
When keeping a stag pen more boys are better than fewer.
Please figure out what works for YOUR flock.
Stinks when that happens.
Everything depends on individual personality no matter what folks and guidelines say.. They are said with good reason, BUT.. sometimes we roll with it.
I have 2 cockerels and 4 pullets.. just reached mating age.. 6 months and zero issues.. yes, they have fall outs as any sibling or room mate will. It has gotten bloody but with plenty of room to get away and simmer down, it's turned to mostly posturing and they hang out and roost together otherwise. My ladies are NOT over mated and I'm NOT using saddles.
If I had to choose only one for the hens sake I would keep the large fowl roosters.. banties got plenty of heart but many of my ladies won't have anything to do with them. And they are often the most off balance, meaning lacking manners and common sense.
I DO agree though that one rooster IS easier than two.
Just the other day one boy stayed with the main flock and the other boy helped a lady choose a nesting site.
Even with plenty of ladies if a rooster chooses a favorite.. some may be mounted excessively and others not at all.
When keeping a stag pen more boys are better than fewer.
Please figure out what works for YOUR flock.
Thanks everyone for your help. Since the weird noise on Friday (which I thought was a crow?) I haven't heard it again. He/she seems to make the same noise when chasing a hen?? Anyway here's some updated pics. Still keeping my fingers crossed for a girl!!
What is the age?
