Hen or Roo… I have my suspicions

[Salt Creek Coops]

16-ish week old buff Orpingtons. I’m thinking this one may be roo. I have not heard him crow, but haven’t had him but just a few days…

 

[Painted Calls]

Cockerel.

 

[Salt Creek Coops]

Cockerel.

That’s what I was afraid of. I have 15 hens total and already have 1 rooster… do I have enough ladies to go around?

 

[Painted Calls]

Rule of thumb is 10 hens per rooster. Every flock and every bird is different though.

You'll probably need to rehome/butcher one though. I would imagine 2 boys with 15 girls would have your girls being overbred eventually.

How big is your pen/coop? That makes a difference too.

 

[cherrynberry]

Cockerel

 

[Little Baby Bean]

Cockerel

Agreed!

 

[Salt Creek Coops]

Rule of thumb is 10 hens per rooster. Every flock and every bird is different though.

You'll probably need to rehome/butcher one though. I would imagine 2 boys with 15 girls would have your girls being overbred eventually.

How big is your pen/coop? That makes a difference too.

Okay! I have a 16ft long x 8ft wide coop/run. They free range most of the day. One rooster is only with 4 hens. The rest are not yet laying. Between 13-16 weeks.

 

[Painted Calls]

Okay! I have a 16ft long x 8ft wide coop/run. They free range most of the day. One rooster is only with 4 hens. The rest are not yet laying. Between 13-16 weeks.

I would just go into raising him knowing that at some point problems may arise. If they are penned up in am 8x16ft area for prolonged periods, you may very well see problems. It is recommended to have 4 sqft per bird in the coop, and 10 sqft per bird in the run.

You may be okay though if they free range most of the time. Just make sure you're ready to take care of any future problems promptly.

 

[Salt Creek Coops]

I would just go into raising him knowing that at some point problems may arise. If they are penned up in am 8x16ft area for prolonged periods, you may very well see problems. It is recommended to have 4 sqft per bird in the coop, and 10 sqft per bird in the run.

You may be okay though if they free range most of the time. Just make sure you're ready to take care of any future problems promptly.

Okay! I also have a few small coops and runs around the property for them to shelter or rest under during the day.
You have been super helpful!! Thank you!