I wasn't sure where to search and I'm sure this question has been asked a million times here but... We got 7 chickens a few eeeks ago and I know for sure one is a rooster and am pretty sure there's one more rooster in there as well. We got 4 more hens today ( they are hens for sure as they're laying) so 9 hens and 2 roosters. I am think I need to get rid of one of the roosters...?
If they'll all be in the same coop/run, I'd say yes, for your hens' sake moreso than the roosters. And if you don't want chicks, and do not free range, you may want to get rid of both
Generally, it's about one rooster for every 10 - 12 hens, so unless you plan on getting more hens, or they get along really well, it may be better for one to go. We have nineteen hens and two roosters, and they are always trying to be head rooster and steal each others hens.
The 10 or 12 to one ratio is what commercial flocks that produce hatching eggs use to assure fertility. It has very little to do with roosters fighting or hens becoming barebacked. It can have an effect on the hens being barebacked, but the effect is pretty minor. Breeders often house one rooster with one or two hens and don't have barebacked hen problems, while some people keep one rooster with over 20 hens and still have barebacked hens. The only reason you NEED a rooster is if you want fertile eggs, though many of us like to have a rooster around anyway. The more roosters you have, the more likely you are to have a problem, but there is no magic ratio. My worst problems have been with my best rations. My advice is to keep as few roosters as you can and still meet your goals.
Thanks for this question, and for all the answers...with my 5 teen roos, and only 6 hens and 3 pullets, I am having to make some hard choices, but also wanting to be able to determine which roo is the one that is right for my flock. The rest are going to be dinner. Hoping I have some time to decide before they get too bratty to leave them all together. Thanks, again
It also depends upon the breed itself. I have found that a 1 - 10 ratio works good on my large breeds(RIR, brahmas, ect) but on some of my bantam breeds( like silkies ) a 1-5 ratio works better. What breed are you raising? -Magnum
Thanks to all for a useful thread! I was looking to see if my eggs are likely to be keepers for my first broody and at 2:15 I guess they have it covered. Good luck picking the right roo for your gals.
