how many roosters can you have in one flock

[chickenmama109]

im going to incubate some eggs and i know im going to get one rooster or more i already have 1 rooster in and flock of 9 hens 1 roo im going to hatch 4 to 5 eggs can there be more them 1 rooster in my flock or will they fight




thanks to all help

 

[ChickenGirl555]

I think the rule was 1 roo per 3-5 hens so the fighting over hens should be ok. I don't know professionally but that's what I've heard the professionals say

 

[sourland]

It all depends upon the temperament of the roosters involved and the space available in addition to the number of hens in the flock. A young rooster raised in the established flock may be readily accepted to a point - eventually he may try to unseat the flock rooster. Adding a second rooster as an adult to an established flock will result in a dominance fight with the flock rooster. It's all about assuring that their genes get to carry on.

 

[chickenmama109]

i will have to give it away if i get one then i just dont know if any one would take it

 

[RollTideChicken]

Yea expect a 50/50 mix...you gotta have plans for the roosters you will get when you incubate eggs.

 

[bobbi-j]

If incubating 5 eggs, you could get anywhere from 0-5 roosters. There are no guarantees. It's a good idea to have a solid exit plan for any chickens you don't choose to keep. The options are sell them, give them away, or eat them. You really should have this figured out BEFORE you ever set eggs to hatch.

There are no definite "rules" for rooster to hen ratios. A general recommendation is 1/10. That stems from larger hatcheries that have found it to be a good ratio for maximum fertility. As Sourland said, a younger rooster raised within the flock could be accepted by the current rooster, but may grow up to challenge him. I have a friend who's younger rooster killed her older one in an ugly fight to gain dominance. There is really no way of knowing what will happen until you're in the situation.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Fertility is higher with a ratio of 10 to 1 hens to roosters than it will be with 2 hens for every rooster. Chicken fertility is best when there is a harmonious flock. Adding or even subtracting birds on the spur of the moment is never going to make for more fertility, unless maybe your flock rooster is firing blanks.