I can't even give them away. One of my poor leghorn hens almost got her comb ripped off this am. I have about 25 grown standerd hens. 3 big roos and 5 more bantam cross roos. About 5 bantam hens. And 9 more half grown bantams, I think 4 of those are roos.... I know I have too many Roos... But I really hate doing what has to be done. How many could I keep safely? Please don't say 1 big one and 1 little one. They pretty much were getting along... But this morning everything exploded... You know how beautiful roosters are. That makes it even harder...
If you can separate the big ones with their own little groups of hens, they should be alright. The bantams are a few too many for the girls. You could try bachelor pens, grouping just the excess boys together. I think I'd separate the bantams from the standards. I have a pen where there are like 7 roosters and 8 girls, and they seem to get along. They fuss sometimes, and sometimes pick on one for a few days, but otherwise okay. The roos are 2 standards and the rest bantams. The girls are 2 standards and the rest bantams. I have other roos that have to be far away from other roos and their groups, especially if they have girls. And I have a gang of standards that right now are all together, I think there are about 30 girls in there and 6 roos. They all get along, too. The alpha roo keeps order among the boys.
The ideal ratio is supposed to be 1:10-12. You might be able to keep a few more roos if you take some of the other suggestions. But certainly get rid of the mean one(s). It's a privilege to be a kept rooster and only the BEST should have the opportunity. No matter how handsome they are, if they're aggressive towards people or rough with the hens, they have to GO. Keep them separated until you find a taker. Try tucking a $5 bill under their wings.
Quote:I agree. With so many roos they are in competition with each other for the hens attention. Then they get rough with the hens trying to get there first.
I know!! Thanks! we did it! I mean my Lovely DH did!! 5 are ready for the freezer! wHAT MAKES ME THE HAPPIEST IS THAT MY WHOLE fLOCK WILL BE happier in the morning!! It was hard! But thanks for the support!
