How many roosters are to many?

[donrae]

Really, you are the only one who can answer this question. How are your hens? Are they stressed? Being harassed by the roosters? Do they get to eat, drink and dust bathe without being chased around by several roosters wanting to breed them? Are the roosters fighting? How old are the "roosters"? Have the reached breeding age yet? If they haven't that might be why they're all getting along. When they start breeding, that could change. I'm glad you're getting rid of the one that's rough on the hens. That will help reduce stress on them. Hens don't lay well when stressed. Ridgerunner - a very respected member of the BYC community - suggests keeping as few roosters as you need to meet your goals. It doesn't guarantee you will have no problems, but it does lessen the chances of problems.

I have two cockerels (roosters younger than a year old) and 20-some hens and pullets. The boys get along just fine - they've had a few skirmishes but have worked things out. I will be separating them and the girls this winter. (Not enough space in one coop for them to be one big happy family when cabin fever hits) Once that happens, they will not be out at the same time again. I'm afraid they will actually to harm-causing battle with one another when they're more mature.

Agree with this.

I've had one rooster with two hens, and everyone has been happy, productive, and glossy feathered, no bare backs or resistance to mating.

I've had a free range rooster with his choice of two dozen hens stalk and terrorize two specific hens.

And lots inbetween.

Mostly, I agree with keeping as few roosters as possible. Folks tend to think just because they got these Oops birds, they're obligated to them for live. Not so, feel free to sell/butcher/give away ANY bird that does not fit in with your flock. Look at each bird and decide if he has a place in your flock, not just "I have to keep him cause I wound up with him".

No matter how many birds you have, you need to constantly monitor and evaluate your flock to see if what you have is working.

 

[Cassey]

Thanks for all the help, all this information is very helpful. We have decided we are getting rid of 2 roosters. Again thanks for the help.

 

[Mrs. K]

bobbi-j hit this answer on the nail.

I would like to emphasize a point she made, what the right number is now may very well change latter. With roosters, because now is good, is no guarantee for next month. However if now is terrible, there is a dang slim to no chance it will get better without culling.

Tension in the flock is what I go by, if the girls are happy, eating, active and laying, you have the right ratio. If there are not, or if roosters are fighting, then you don't and need to adjust.

If you keep multiple roosters, you need to be able to separate them at once. You need to have a plan HOW you will separate them, and it is needs to be ready to go. Cock fighting can get ugly and violent and in a hurry.

Mrs k

 

[Hay Belly]

Can they be separated by a fence? I have a very docile Sal. Fav. rooster and want to get a buff laced Brahma rooster. They would each have their own flock. I know it depends on the rooster, but does anyone have roosters that abide each other within view?

 

[donrae]

Mine do. I have several roosters, separated by fencing. When there's a new guy, there can be some posturing and hackle flaring, etc at the fence. But since they can't really do anything to each other, mine seem to simply get bored and move on to more important things like finding food for the hens, or trying to mate.

Again, your mileage may vary. What works for my birds may not work for yours.