Help with my roosters!!

[jneil]

We have hatched our chickens and now we have ended up with 3 roosters and 3 hens. They are now 5 months old. Of the 3 roosters there is an obvious dominate roo who is a good guardian and protector of the flock. He has been the dominate of the flock since 2weeks old. The problem is that we have too many roosters and need to get rid of two. They have starting mating with the hens which is turning into a fight and also damaging the hens feathers. The hens were laying for a few days and stopped, I fear it is because they are stressed. My question is...do I get rid of the dominate rooster or keep him. Will one of the more mellow roos step into the leadership roll. They are free range on 3 1/2 acres and need a good leader.

Thank you!

 

[sourland]

You know the temperment of the dominant rooster - that of the subordinates may change if you get rid of him. Two need to go as soon as is possible. Not only will they cause feather loss on the hens, but in competing for breeding they may gash the sides of the hens causing serious damage. Absolutely the stress of overmating/fighting may have caused the cessation in egg laying.

 

[jneil]

Yes, thank you... I will be getting rid of two roosters.