How many hens do we need

[Unearthed wonder]

View attachment 1541227 so, we have 6 chicks (13 week old gingerham) from a hatchery. One has turned out to be a rooster. How many hens do we need to safetly keep him? Council is fine, neighbours are fine, very friendly, loves cuddles and the children are all very attached. Want to try to make it work. Any advice would be awesome as we do not currently have a rooster plan

 

[dunnmom]

I think it depends on the rooster. Judging from what I’ve read in these forums, some rooster are more aggressive maters than others.

 

[Unearthed wonder]

Tha

I think it depends on the rooster. Judging from what I’ve read in these forums, some rooster are more aggressive maters than others.

Thank you

 

[dunnmom]

I know the answer I gave doesn’t help you much. Roo to hen ratios I’ve seen alot are 1 to 8 or more. If you add 4 or 5 hens, it might be better for the roo and hens, if you have room.

 

[SueT]

It may be fine with 5 to 1, time will tell. What ages are your children? Many experts recommend being standoffish with a cockerel, rather than making a pet of him, as too much attention, cuddles, etc can lead to him thinking he is dominant to you and he could become aggressive. Small children are most at risk around roosters.

 

[Unearthed wonder]

that is also what I had read, however, also read it can depend on the breed. There is not much information on the internet about gingerhams, so not sure how to even research it.

I know the answer I gave doesn’t help you much. Roo to hen ratios I’ve seen alot are 1 to 8 or more.

t

 

[dunnmom]

Like Sue T said, it may be wise to wait and see. If there becomes a problem, you can make flock adjustments later.

 

[Unearthed wonder]

Hmm. I actually run a family day care. Funny thing is that he comes when called, loves a comb rub and is more social and placid with people than the rest.

It may be fine with 5 to 1, time will tell. What ages are your children? Many experts recommend being standoffish with a cockerel, rather than making a pet of him, as too much attention, cuddles, etc can lead to him thinking he is dominant to you and he could become aggressive. Small children are most at risk around roosters.

 

[Unearthed wonder]

They are 13 weeks old. Is it better to wait until they are fully grown to add more? The new ones should be smaller, is that correct?

I know the answer I gave doesn’t help you much. Roo to hen ratios I’ve seen alot are 1 to 8 or more. If you add 4 or 5 hens, it might be better for the roo and hens, if you have room.

e

 

[dunnmom]

I’m going to see if I can get @aart in on this. This is beyond my knowledge.