How many Roosters?

[Cochin Mommy]

I am a 1st timer and got 16 Cochin day old chicks (5 different colors) on May 20, 1 is a buff rooster (Harley ) My question is whether 15 hens is too many for my free ranging flock? He tries to keep his girls safe but they are wanderers!

 

[sourland]

In most instances the greatest protection a rooster provides is as a warning system. Some will confront predators, but many warn and then retreat. If you are looking for fertility, a second rooster might be a good idea, but introduction into an established flock might cause more problems than it is worth. Hatching some eggs under a broody and raising another cockerel in the flock might be the best way to go. Good luck in your choices.

 

[Mrs. K]

This sounds like your first year. Roosters are a crap shoot, and take experience. Multiple roosters just drastically increase the odds of having a wreck. Just leave things as they are right now, and get some experience.

Personally, I find having a rooster really does help, but they are chickens. Nothing is fool proof. If you have predators, you are going to get hit, more than likely. Lock up for a few days.

I think adding another rooster, would cause more problems than it is worth at this point. If you free range, you will have birds leaving the flock, so at that point you can add new birds. But I don't think adding another rooster will prevent free ranging losses.

Mrs K