Hens or Roos

[Kaiser5000]

Alright. We have our suspicions but I figured we would bite the bullet and get confirmation on these guys/gals. We got a “variety” pack from a popular hatchery that were supposed to be 10 hens but out of those 10 we have 2 that are crowing (the Speckled Sussex and the EE) and one that is trying to mate (the Snow White Leghorn). Ughhhh. Are they cockerels? They are about 11 weeks old. Some other info: We do have roosters on our property but outside their run (the neighbor’s Roos) so they definitely hear crowing a LOT. Thanks a bunch for any insight you may have!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Yup! All three are cockerels.

 

[Kaiser5000]

Yup! All three are cockerels.

Well shucks. Next question: What do we do now? Haha. We have plenty of property, no city ordinances to follow so that is fine- but do we need to do anything differently? We are brand new chicken owners and were only prepared for hens. We certainly don’t mind roosters but are they fine just staying with the hens? It will be 3 roosters and 7 hens.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

3 roosters is 2 too many for 7 hens, unfortunately. The said ratio is 10 hens to 1 rooster. Otherwise your hens will get over-mated, injured or worse...killed. I would try rehoming 2 of them. It’s tough when you are attached, but it is the responsible and sane thing to do.
Best of luck!

 

[keesmom]

No doubt those are cockerels. And yeah, all 3 of them with only 7 pullets in an enclosed run is likely to be a disaster for those poor pullets.