Has anyone kept roosters and hens separate?

[Ladybird CA]

I'm wondering why hens and roosters usually have to be kept in a pen together by breed.

Can't a big pen of roosters be kept together and a big pen of hens be kept together until they need to breed?

I was just thinking this would be more convenient than having many different pens.

But I am thinking it would probably work best for artificial insemination because the hens and roosters might not get along and the roosters also might not get along.

Has anyone tried this and was successful?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I don't do AI... But I do keep a stag pen and hen pen and put them together as needed. I do this to control my genetics and also prevent over mating.

It takes some juggling and working things out. It has challenges of it's own, but with some understanding it can be done.

I also have many pens and use them form many things including bully time outs, broody breaking, chick or other flock integrations, sick ward and so on. They are invaluable to have.

I do consider myself successful. Each bird is an individual. Personality and SELECTION are key. You must have a plan for those who won't get with the program. Roosters and cockerels are NOT the same animal at all. Same for hens.

I usually give boys a couple weeks with the ladies before I plan to hatch, so he can have had time to win them over. Some boys are better than others. But if he is staying in the stag pen ever again I move him back and forth after roost every other day or so in order he can maintain his place in the pecking order. When I hatch chicks any males will put into the stag pen (with a head rooster) as soon as they are identified as male or once weaned if being broody raised. Done while still young they are taken under wing and shown the ropes. Verses after about 8-10 weeks they will be more pecking order. Past that age, don't count on peaceful integration of boys very often. Cockerels are a little more unruly before they mature and may chase the littler guys around some. Any bully who is relentless will get the tables turned and I might give him a chase of my own, depends. But a time out cage, kennel, pen for the bully is a great option. Having a GOOD head rooster diminishes (slightly) much of this activity. No human aggression or chicken bullies allowed, period. Attitude determines who stays or goes more importantly than a lot of other things. And that is true for hens not just cocks.

Multiple feeders and waterers, plenty of space, visual barriers, plenty of mental enrichment, good fencing, and attitude selection... just off the top of my head.

 

[Ladybird CA]

Thanks! I’ll keep this in mind when I get chickens

 

[snow5164]

I think an important point is that they can’t be side by side with the hens . My “time out” pen is on the other side of the coop and they calm down and become relaxed , but put a rooster where he can see and hear hens ?is just cruel , ours looked like he was going crazy , he even lost some feathers ....