Introducing 2 roosters to 20 hens

[TerryBowleg]

I have 20 hens, and I am thinking about adding 2 roosters to the flock. Could that be problematic? I know 1 rooster isn’t supposed to be able to cover 20 hens. I don’t plan on incubating a lot, maybe just enough to maintain or slowly grow my flock over time. Would 1 rooster suffice or would 2 make more sense? I’ve read of roosters cohabitating fine in the same flock with other roosters, just wondering form those with experience.

 

[Sally PB]

I’ve read of roosters cohabitating fine in the same flock with other roosters, just wondering form those with experience.

Keep reading. You'll also read of two roosters that don't get along and fight constantly, or even to the death of one.

Would 1 rooster suffice or would 2 make more sense?

If all you want is some fertile eggs to replenish and maybe grow your flock, one rooster would be enough. He might mate all 20 hens, or not, but you can control who he's with by separating him and putting some of the hens in with him.

Two roosters can work. Until it doesn't. They can be buddies and work well together, and then one day, everything can change.

 

[aart]

Would 1 rooster suffice

More than likely, yes.

 

[Mrs. K]

The more roosters you have, the more chance of it going wrong. I too vote one rooster.

 

[FC16]

Also depends on how much space you have, if they’re not free range and they’re confined to a pen I’d say that would be a recipe for a disaster. It can work but it’s whether you get lucky or not really, even having 1 rooster can be stressful at times