Hen to Roo ratio

[klevesque]

So it looks like out of 25 chicks I may have definately 2 maybe 3 roos. Is that too many for my hens?

They are only 6 weeks this week so I have a while to worry about it.

I don't want any roosters but will settle for 1. What can I do to get rid of the other 1 or 2? I won't kill it.

I don't like the thought of eating fertile eggs! On that note: How long once a fertile egg is layed do I have to stick it in the fridge before it becomes inedible?

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'd suggest these two threads for information on roosters.

Number of roosters thread
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=219443

Managing multiple roosters
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=229968

As far as how long you have to put fertile eggs in the refrigerator, as long as they are not washed, I'd be real comfortable with 5 weeks at room temperature, the same as unfertile eggs. They will taste the same and look the same as unfertile eggs too. If they have been washed, they do need to be refrigerated, whether fertile or unfertile. This article gives good information on storing eggs. I know they give a longer time than 5 weeks, but I like to play it very safe.

Storing Eggs
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Sust...ggs-a-Year-or-More-Without-Refrigeration.aspx

 

[The Zoo]

I wasn't thrilled with the idea of eating fertile eggs either, but when one of my chicks turned into a rooster it was either deal with that or get rid of him. They don't taste any different than the other eggs and I try not to think too much about it.

 

[klevesque]

Thanks for the great references!

So technically I should be all set with 23:2 with the hope they all get along!