Is it ok to keep 3 roosters with my flock?

[lincolnchick]

We live on about 18 acres and have 2 flocks that range freely. They usually stay within about an acre and are free to do as they wish during the day. I have an older flock of 3 hens that roost in a separate pen. My second flock is about 3.5 months old and consists 6 hens and 3 roosters. Right now they all go to roost together. I am thinking the roosters are going to start getting territorial soon and possibly hurt the hens or eachother. Should I start seperating the roosters at night? Are they all ok to roam together during the day? Do I need to get rid of some of the roosters? By the way, 2 lavender roosters and one barred rock rooster.
Lots of questions...I'm new at this

 

[Tuhmu]

and good luck with your poultry adventure! I would personally have only 1 maybe 2 roosters. Hey are going to start having an interest in your ladies, if you know what I mean, and its going to show on your hens; feathers on the backs of their heads missing, their back feathers gone. You know what they say, 2's a couple 3's a crowd, thou I would probably lean more towards just the one rooster. Hope this helps!

 

[scratch'n'peck]

Do you mean Lavender Orpington roosters? They sound like they were raised together, so it is possible that the roosters will not get territorial or fight. Once the roosters reach sexual maturity they may be too much for the hens though. It depends on the roosters, but the hens may start loosing feathers due to frequent or clumsy mating.

I actually set up a bachelor coop for three extra roosters(2 Orps and 1 Cochin). They have gotten along fine for 3 years, but they can not free range with the hens because they will fight with the rooster who was left with the flock.

 

[redsoxs]

Howdy from Kansas lincolnchick, and

! Great to have you aboard. It's my opinion that you have at least one rooster too many. Good luck to you!

 

[liz9910]

 

[drumstick diva]

I think one rooster is enough also. If you intend to have breeding pens and raise purebreds then you would need a rooster the same breed as the hens.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[lincolnchick]

Thanks so much for the info and warm welcome. Looks like one of our roosters will be dinner in the near future...or maybe I can sell him to someone who needs one.