I need some advice!

[Wildcow7]

So we have a mixed flock of meat and laying birds. We have a total of 49 birds. We ended up with 4 roosters total. 1 seabright Bantam, 1 Barnenvalder, and 2 Light Brahma's. (Sorry about spelling)
We cannot decide if we should keep them all or only some. We plan to keep 20-25 hens for eggs. Also they free range our ten acres during the day (not that they utilize much more than the yard haha)
TIA

 

[WhiteWyan]

I've read somewhere that one cock per 10-12 hens is a good ratio? Do you want fertile eggs?

 

[CluckinA]

So we have a mixed flock of meat and laying birds. We have a total of 49 birds. We ended up with 4 roosters total. 1 seabright Bantam, 1 Barnenvalder, and 2 Light Brahma's. (Sorry about spelling)
We cannot decide if we should keep them all or only some. We plan to keep 20-25 hens for eggs. Also they free range our ten acres during the day (not that they utilize much more than the yard haha)
TIA

If you were going to keep a 50 bird flock I'd say 4 roos may not be too bad but if you plan to downsize it will probably be rough on them.

 

[Wildcow7]

I've read somewhere that one cock per 10-12 hens is a good ratio? Do you want fertile eggs?

No we don't want fertile eggs necessarily I mostly want them to protect the flock and I think they are fun to have around!

 

[brettshomestead]

I've never had a problem with roosters I've even had 50%+ at one time or another. Same with introducing new birds I just throw them in and watch for a bit and there's usually not a problem. That being said I might just be super lucky. 1 roo for every 5-12 hens sounds pretty good to me.

 

[WildCHILD400]

I would keep two. There's really no need for them if you don't want fertile eggs, and sometimes they even pick on the hens!

 

[aart]

We cannot decide if we should keep them all or only some. We plan to keep 20-25 hens for eggs. Also they free range our ten acres during the day (not that they utilize much more than the yard haha)

Depends on how much coop space you have(more space is going to help), all the boys' individual demeanor's and if they can work out a harmonious hierarchy. Multiple males creates an environment of competition, often bringing out the worst of all their behaviors.

Only way to know for sure is to try...and be ready to isolate any trouble makers in a separate enclosure(s), because if things gets ugly/bloody, it can happen fast. I have 4 medium and 2 large wire crates for this purpose, they come in mighty handy.
Are the boys all young cockerels or....??

I've read somewhere that one cock per 10-12 hens is a good ratio? Do you want fertile eggs?

It took me a long time to learn that the 10:1 ratio is from commercial operations for fertility efficacy, and really has nothing to do with flock harmony.

 

[Wildcow7]

Depends on how much coop space you have(more space is going to help), all the boys' individual demeanor's and if they can work out a harmonious hierarchy. Multiple males creates an environment of competition, often bringing out the worst of all their behaviors.

Only way to know for sure is to try...and be ready to isolate any trouble makers in a separate enclosure(s), because if things gets ugly/bloody, it can happen fast. I have 4 medium and 2 large wire crates for this purpose, they come in mighty handy.
Are the boys all young cockerels or....??



It took me a long time to learn that the 10:1 ratio is from commercial operations for fertility efficacy, and really has nothing to do with flock harmony.

Yes they are all young only 12-14 weeks old right now the Bantam fights with everyone hens included and the other three keep to themselves with their own group of hens. I have a very large coop total floor space is 2 adjoined rooms that are around 8x12 ft each

 

[two j farm]

I have 2 rosters to 20 hens and they do fine together. I would keep 2. You never know one may die or something could get one. I hatch chicks so I like to have a back up. ( I have 2 more by them self if I need them)

 

[aart]

Yes they are all young only 12-14 weeks old right now the Bantam fights with everyone hens included and the other three keep to themselves with their own group of hens. I have a very large coop total floor space is 2 adjoined rooms that are around 8x12 ft each

That's fantastic, plenty of room to set up separate areas!