How many roos? Also flock integrating question

[LillianMae]

Hi all,
so I have five chickens that are a little over a year old, five bantam chicks that are almost four months old, two Ameraucanas, and two Jersey giants that are the same age as the bantams. My question is: I have definitely one bantam rooster, and probably a second but I'm not positive yet. Then one of the Ameraucanas is for sure a rooster, and I'm almost positive one of the Jersey Giants is a rooster. I know with my flock size I shouldn't have two big roosters, but I'm wondering if I could keep both of the bantam issues? My other question, is that my Jersey Giants are already as big as my smallest older chickens, so is it alright to start integrating them with the big flock today? I already have all of the chicks in a secure run outside so they can see the big chickens and the big chickens can see them. Please let me know asap!

 

[Ridgerunner]

My advice on roosters is to keep as few as your goals allow. You are not guaranteed problems with more roosters, just more likely to have problems. If you have a lot of extra room you could probably keep any two of those roosters if you wish but one rooster and ten hens makes a nice flock.

It sounds like you keep your chicks a lot like I do and it sounds like you have quite a bit of room. I let my 8 week old chicks mingle with the flock. I've never lost one doing it this way for many years.

 

[LillianMae]

Well I just mixed the Jersey Giants and had no problems at all, I free range so I might be able to keep the roosters if I just get my barn completely finished. And I could always get more hens next year to make sure I have enough for all of the roosters