Hen to rooster ration

[ducknchickmama]

I got some buff orington chickens today 4 hens and 2 roosters I tried to only get one rooster but the guy said it was a package deal! Is this a bad ratio? Should I get rid of one of the roosters?

 

[HEChicken]

You really only need 1 rooster per 10 hens to assure fertility. That said, if this is a bonded group and the boys are getting along, it might be okay. My main concern though would be that the girls are over-mated as there is too much rooish attention for each girl. If they start looking ragged, and/or have bald backs, you might want to consider getting rid of one of the boys.

 

[ducknchickmama]

There is one or two of the girls that have small spots but I am not sure whats normal

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

it takes awhile to regrow feathers so those patches may get bigger. If it was me i,d keep just one rooster.

 

[ducknchickmama]

Thank you so much! Roosters are so hard to sell...so it looks like we are gonna have chicken soup or something...lmbo!

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

I recommend the crockpot.

 

[darin367]

keep both roos and get 4 more hens........

 

[ducknchickmama]

Yea right! LOL My husband has built and built lol if I get 4 more hens he would have to build more...lol I already have 13 bantys, 5 Buff orpingtons, 5 Rho Island red chicks, and 5 ducks! And I am not sure yet but I believe that only 3 of the banty are hens! And you cant really eat them they r so tiny! lol

 

[centrarchid]

Depends on your purpose for birds and resources you have. I routinely keep chickens as pairs. Seldom are going to be targeting the optimal hen to rooster ratio unless producing hatching eggs at least cost. More roosters not a problem if you can allow flock to split up during most of day.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

Sure you can! Very tasty!