Hens per Rooster

[Repair]

Hi, i have 2 barred rock hens 1 “special black” hen 1 amberlink hen and one easter egger roo. They are about 20 weeks old in a 4’tallx4’widex8’long coop with access to a 20’longx5’widex6’tall covered run. Is this enough hens to keep a rooster? Do I need a coop door if run is secure? I have a light on a timer from 5:30pm till 8:30 pm in coop (40watt led natural light) now cause they wouldn’t go in coop at night without light. Should i put heated waterer in coop or out in run for the northern wi winter? Should i heat my coop bellow a certain temp? Any suggestions i would greatly appreciate thanks

 

[Egg Snatcher]

Yes that's enough hens for a rooster.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Is this enough hens to keep a rooster?

Maybe. We are all unique. Different climates, different management techniques, different facilities, the list goes on and on. Each chicken is an individual with its own personality so flock dynamics can be different even if we have the same flock make-up. Some people have problems when they are adolescents but things calm down when the chickens become adults. Some people have issues if they have 20 hens and one rooster. My suggestion is to observe what goes on and make your decisions about what you see, not what some stranger over the internet like me tells you to do. For some people it works, for some it doesn't.

Do I need a coop door if run is secure?

If you are comfortable the run is secure it is not necessary to secure it from predators. You might want to close a door because of weather or there may be times you want to lock them in or out of the coop or run if you are working in there.

Should i put heated waterer in coop or out in run for the northern wi winter?

Some people do it inside, some outside. There are drawbacks and benefits to both. Can you manage the electricity safely? Do they have access when they are awake. Your weather may leave them locked in the coop where hey can't get to water in the run. That and electrical safety would be my main concerns.

Should i heat my coop bellow a certain temp?

Read this article. He probably gets colder than you do.

Alaskan’s Article

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/cold-weather-poultry-housing-and-care.72010/

 

[MrFluffyandGirls]

I like at least 10 -12 per roo because of over breeding causing injuries. Of course most roos find a "favorite" no matter how many you have and I feel sorry for her because that one tends to always looks stressed; trying to eat in peace and avoid his advances.

 

[black_cat]

Personally, I myself would own over 10 hens before getting a rooster, but there is no set number. Some people have more success with larger or smaller ratios. I'd see how things go-if the roo is aggressive you may end up rehoming him anyway. If your girls look stressed and overmated, get some saddles and some sexed female chicks, or some started pullets or hens. If everything goes well, you'll probably end up with more hens a some point anyway-chicken math! But there's no need to rush it in that situation.

 

[Repair]

Wow thanks everyone, nice to have some input from someone with experience

 

[Alaskan]

The proper male to female ratio is almost fully determined by the personality of those involved.

Overly soft breakable feathers on a hen can also cause issues.

But, truly, with a good well mannered male, even a 1 to 1 ratio works well.

Here is a group I have, 1 male to 3 females. Their backs look perfect. There is a tiny bit of feather loss at the back top of the girl's heads where he holds on... but that is all.

 

[aart]

RR and Alaskan explained it well, with actual experience to back it up....
.....but I'll still add my 2 cents.

The 'rooster' to hen ratio of 1:10 that is often cited is primarily for fertility efficiency in commercial breeding facilities.

It doesn't mean that if a cockbird has 10 hens that he won't abuse or over mate them.

Many breeders keep pairs, trios, quads, etc ....short term and/or long term.

It all depends on the temperaments of the cock and hens and sometimes housing provided.

Backyard flocks can achieve good fertility with a larger ratio