I have to get rid of some of my roos.

[tadpole98]

All the hens are looking TERRIBLE. Back when I didn't have an over population of roos, nobody was stressed out, all had all their feathers, and looked generally so much better. My hens have to hide now from the roosters because they play 'tag team'. I have 70 hens, so I am going to lower my rooster count down to 5. ihave 13 now

i kept meaning to cull some but cold weather set in.

What should I be looking for in the ones I keep? It stinks, because i know I should be looking for gentleness to hens, and my very favorite roosters who I raised from a chick are Baddddd. they love to cuddle with me and stuff, but i dont think i can keep. \


one more question while your here: those 3 roosters who i was talking about that i love so much, they were hatched back in september. maybe they will calm down a bit?


















(its for the hens, its for the hens, its for the hens, its for the hens.. )

 

[roostersandhens]

You should try finding them a good home! I would take 1 but you dont live near me and I to have alot of roosters. 17 hens 5 roosters. 22 chickens. You could always get more hens if you really want to keep ure roosters.

 

[roostersandhens]

Yu also could make/buy them a chicken saddle I had a freind ( who can nit) make me one. Not a BYC freind.

 

[RollinWithTheStones]

They probably will settle down after awhile. Perhaps their own little coop and run would help out that way they can be in "time out" when they're being too rough. Honestly I'd want a roo that was kind to me and my family most of all. I'm sure the girls can hold their own.

 

[bobbi-j]

The hens cannot "hold their own" if they're constantly being chased and mated by roosters. Your egg production will go down (if it hasn't already) due to stress. The ones hatched in Sept. may or may not settle down. Probably not, if they're constantly competing with one another to mate the hens. Until you thin the rooster flock, your best bet would be to put them in a "bachelor pen". Can you separate them? If not, find them new homes or butcher them soon. Your hens will be happier and more productive. On a personal note, we butcher all of our excess roosters. If I've put the time and money into raising them and feeding them, I most certainly am not going to give them away or sell them for little or nothing to someone else to enjoy for a meal! I'd rather eat 'em myself. At least that way I know where my meat is coming from.

ETA - Chicken saddles may keep your hens from looking so ragged, but will not reduce their stress level.

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

I agree that it sounds like you have too many roosters.

As far as your favorites, yes, they're young and should calm down a bit. I think it takes roosters at least a year to really show their true potential.