How many hens does a rooster need?

[Abriana]

I agree with that as well, but predators could be an issue as the rooster helps keep them away. He could also be aggressive, but in my opinion, starting with an aggressive one is better because you learn how to handle them, but on the other hand, you might not enjoy having chickens as much because your rooster is mean. This would really only be a problem if you didn't know how to handle him and if you decide to keep him I can help you with that though he might stay mellow and not mean. I am the only one that can handle my rooster without an issue and he is a pretty mean fellow, but he fends of predators and i still love him .

 

[keesmom]

I agree with that as well, but predators could be an issue as the rooster helps keep them away.

If predators are an issue it is up to the owner to deal with it, either by keeping them in an enclosed run or electric fence.

Personally I never leave the protection of the flock up to roosters. There are plenty of predators they have no chance against, and in my case they can do little against even local birds of prey that love to hunt through the trees.

IMO if a cockerel or rooster is mean enough to take the joy out of keeping chickens then he's not worth keeping. Many well mannered males are sent to the freezer every year for lack of homes.

I still would advise the OP to consider keeping a female only flock for now.

 

[Abriana]

My rooster has attacked hawks and won three or four times

 

[elisemarie]

Thanks for the help, everyone. I'm going to send him back to the breeders. They have a lot of space (and hens) so he will probably be happier there.

 

[ChickenMomma91]

I haven't gotten a roo yet as I need to expand my run and finish work on the improved coop before expanding my flock. But I was thinking 5 hens to one roo. I already have 3 and I've been promised a Maran when the expansion is ready but I also got a hare-brained idea that getting another hen and a roo of a breed I already have would be a great idea! thoughts?