Hen to Rooster Ratio?

[piccolini]

I recently ordered a batch of 2 dozen chicks from mcmurray (All supposedly pullets) and was wondering how many roosters I would need to maintain good fertility while not over breeding them. These chicks will be part of an FFA project and I would like fertility to be good enough that I can sell the eggs for eating or hatching. Thank you

 

[dawg53]

Quote:
It's normally recommended 2 roosters per 10 hens...2 roosters for 2 dozen hens is ok. However, there's no guarantee that a rooster wont overbreed a couple of his favorite hens. Also there's no guarantee that they'll breed all your hens. Whether your hens are bred or not, the eggs will be good eating.

 

[Davaroo]

This is typically breed dependent.
For the light Mediterranean breeds, the rule of thumb is 15 hens for each cock.
For the heavier breeds, like Rocks or Orpingtons, 1 cock for every ten hens is pretty much standard.

You can expect some losses on the 24 chicks, too. Id count on 20 adult pullets by 24 weeks.

 

[piccolini]

Thanks for the replies! I will plan on 3 roosters then? an extra for safe measure?

 

[chickened]

Your fertility rate will be better if you seperate the group to 8 to 10 in each pen.

 

[Judy]

You can try keeping 3. It may not work out, or it may. Depends on several things you can't predict. You can check egg fertility (see the sticky in the incubating forum) on the ones you eat, and you can watch for overmating (torn up feathers, mating injuries) or hens who avoid being with the flock. Good luck.

 

[piccolini]

Quote:
I would if I had the space

For now they will just be kept in a 12 X 16 ft stall and free range during the day. With my flocks before this new one, I have always bought older roosters- those past the teen stage where they want to mate everything. Do you think this would make a difference? Should I buy roosters that are beyond the "teen" point?
Thanks

 

[chickened]

I'm sorry I did not know or read they were free ranging (my bad) If they are loose during the day they will be fine with the 3 roosters. But remember if you want pure eggs you must be watchful of nearby roosters. Check out Gail Damerows' book on chickens and it tell alot about what effects fertility like feed, injuries, etc. etc.

 

[piccolini]

Quote:
Sorry I did not mention that in the beginning. I will do that and thank you for the info. We are pretty isolated out here so I don't think we have to worry about other roos.