How much space when you have a couple of roos?

[lutherpug]

I'm starting a new flock of 25-30 birds with 2 or 3 roosters. In the coop planning stage and I've seen advice that you need "more" than the commonly quoted 4 sq ft per bird and 10 sq ft of run when you have multiple roos but I haven't seen any specific guidance. I realize these are just general guidelines but I've never had roosters before so I'm trying to get some practical advice on how big our coop needs to be to accommodate 24-26 hens and 2-3 roosters. They will all grow up together. They will probably have a 2500 square foot run-at least that is the plan for now. We are either going to convert a shed or carport for a coop of this size and I'm trying to narrow down my shopping list and keep my budget from ballooning. Thoughts?

 

[mixedbreeds]

I had 32 hens and 3 Roos that did well together but they all grew up together to. The coop was 140 square feet and the run was 360 square feet. The Roos worked it out a few squabbles but nothing big. I had 15 different breeds of hens the Roos were all 3 Welsummers.

 

[aart]

Thoughts?

Why do you need multiple cock/erels?

 

[lutherpug]

Why do you need multiple cock/erels?

I suppose I don't need them but I was hoping to have a few for all of the good reasons people list for having them-warning the hens of potential danger, flock dynamics, etc. If my understanding is correct, you shouldn't have more than 1 for every 10-12 hens. We are starting with 24 hens, will probably have 30 before too long but not go much above that number. Our thought was to start with 3 that have had the chance to grow up together rather than try to integrate a new roo later. Is there a good reason not to have a couple of cocks in a flock this size? I only know what I've read about roosters, I don't have any experience with them in real life.

 

[llombardo]

I think people go with multiples in large flicks because one can't be everywhere. They will most likely make sub flocks when free ranging and sleep together at night. It makes sense to me.

 

[lutherpug]

For what it is worth, the roos on order are a salmon favorelles and a dominique. I'm debating adding a blue copper maran or subbing the dominique out for the maran.

 

[aart]

If my understanding is correct, you shouldn't have more than 1 for every 10-12 hens.

That's about fertility.
The 'rooster' to hen ratio of 1:10 that is often cited is primarily for fertility efficiency in commercial breeding facilities.
It doesn't mean that if a cockbird has 10 hens that he won't abuse or over mate them.
Many breeders keep pairs, trios, quads, etc
It all depends on the temperaments of the cock and hens and sometimes housing provided.
Backyard flocks can achieve good fertility with a larger ratio.

As far as 'protection'.....not sure I'd count on them.
Multiple males can be a problem, some manage it tho.
Raising them together would probably be good for that, but no guarantee.

 

[lutherpug]

It all depends on the temperaments of the cock and hens and sometimes housing provided.

As far as 'protection'.....not sure I'd count on them.
Multiple males can be a problem, some manage it tho.
Raising them together would probably be good for that, but no guarantee.

I'd like to have a couple of good roosters. My hope is that raising them together will increase the odds of having good flock dynamics. I'll do everything I can to set us up for success.

If we go the carport coop option, I can either buy one that will give us 4.92 sq ft/bird or one that would give us 9.69 sq ft/bird. Obviously bigger would be better but if we can pull off the smaller one with a 2500 square foot run I would rather do that as it will be far easier to frame and finish it out. I'm just curious if that sounds reasonable. I realize nobody has a crystal ball and we could end up with Satan's spawn for a rooster but assuming we don't I want to know if this sounds like a decent plan or if I'm setting myself up for trouble.

 

[aart]

I'd like to have a couple of good roosters. My hope is that raising them together will increase the odds of having good flock dynamics. I'll do everything I can to set us up for success.

If we go the carport coop option, I can either buy one that will give us 4.92 sq ft/bird or one that would give us 9.69 sq ft/bird. Obviously bigger would be better but if we can pull off the smaller one with a 2500 square foot run I would rather do that as it will be far easier to frame and finish it out. I'm just curious if that sounds reasonable. I realize nobody has a crystal ball and we could end up with Satan's spawn for a rooster but assuming we don't I want to know if this sounds like a decent plan or if I'm setting myself up for trouble.

I'd go bigger....it will make for a better environment and flexibility in the future.
Will cost more in time and materials, but you'll be glad you have more space for brooder/isolation pens, supplies storage, etc.
5sqft might be tight unless your run is winter/weather/predator proof so that space can be used 24/7.
Correct, no crystal balls...all you can do is try it out, and be ready with enclosures/crates/sharp knife if things go sideways with the multiple males.
My crates were a life saver when I had multiple cockerels(raised together) go gonzo, separating the trouble makers was an immediate relief of the chaos and harassment.

 

[lutherpug]

I'd go bigger....it will make for a better environment and flexibility in the future.
Will cost more in time and materials, but you'll be glad you have more space for brooder/isolation pens, supplies storage, etc.
5sqft might be tight unless your run is winter/weather/predator proof so that space can be used 24/7.
Correct, no crystal balls...all you can do is try it out, and be ready with enclosures/crates/sharp knife if things go sideways with the multiple males.
My crates were a life saver when I had multiple cockerels(raised together) go gonzo, separating the trouble makers was an immediate relief of the chaos and harassment.

I think this is probably what we will end up doing. We also have a fairly large outbuilding on the property where we can brood/quarantine, etc if needed but this will give us some flexibility. I need to pick up a few more dog crates-we have a couple like you pictured but we could always use a few more.

We will give these roosters every opportunity to have success but we won't hesitate to send one to freezer camp if we have one that is a threat to the hens or us. There are too many good ones out there that don't get a chance to justify keeping a bad one and letting it breed.