How many "companion hens" for my rooster?

[ShaneK]

TLDR version: we have a rooster and would like to know the minimum number of hens to get so he's not lonely.

Story version:
My fiancee and I rescued a rooster who had been abandoned and was being bullied at a local shopping center. He has been very sweet but also very needy and wouldn't let me go inside without standing at the door clucking until I would go back outside. We think he's an Ameraucana and we have gotten two hens for him so far and he seems quite a bit happier. One of the hens we got might also be an Ameraucana, and the other (which is only about 7 months old) is a Spitzhauben. He has seemed very happy with them both, only mating with the one whose old enough, and grazing all over the yard with them both. They have all been together for a few days so far and he doesn't seem to be overly rough or aggressive. Is this likely to change or does it sound like the two hens will be enough?

P.S. This is our first jaunt into chicken ownership.

 

[sourland]

A lot depends upon the temperament of the rooster. Just keep an eye on things - two may be enough. But more is more fun.

 

[ShaneK]

What are some warning signs I should be looking for? He seems to be gentle with the spitzenhauben so far, but I'm concerned the size might be an issue. The other Ameraucana can handle him with no problems but I'm not sure the other one will be able to be as calm when he goes to mount.
Also thanks for the welcome

 

[sourland]

Feather loss over the 'shoulders' and back of the hen are the most common signs of overmating.

 

[donrae]

I agree, just keep an eye on things and see how it goes. Folks will swear blind you "need" 10 hens per rooster or all your hens will be miserable, but that's just not true.

As long as your hens seem to enjoy his company and are reasonably willing about being mated, you're good. If hens start getting really bare backs, necks or wings, that's a sign. So is a lot of resistance to mating--screaming, fighting, hiding from the rooster. This one's tricky as young hens are often resistive to mating until they get the routine down. Basically, if your birds appear content, are healthy and productive, your flock is fine as it is. Unhealthy birds, excessive parasite infestations, decrease in egg production, hiding from the rooster, these are signs you need to change management.

 

[ShaneK]

again, thank you very much. so far the older one seems completely fine and I don't think he's tried to mate with the younger one. I think the activity I've seen is possibly just establishing a pecking order.