Is this a good roo to hen ratio?

[sylviethecochin]

What would be the best solution right now for my cockerel? Should i re home him and just have pullets until they start laying then reintroduce a new cockerel/rooster. Or should i some how separate him for the next six months? He’s one of my favorite chickens along with my blue EE and silver laced and would hate to re home him. But if its the best thing to do right now i can do that, i just want the best for my flock as i’m new to the whole chicken thing.

I can give advice, but I've never yet met a chicken who does exactly what the typical chicken does. Figuring out what your flock does, and what works for them and for you, is something I can't do.

If you really like him, wait and see if he starts to act up. Maybe he won't. It happens. Phillip (my juvie rooster) never went through a rough stage. If your boy does act up, try the "somewhat separated" option. I sometimes keep a wire cage in my coop for that purpose. That way, the chicken isn't completely isolated from the flock (that would be cruel; they're social animals) but they're not able to do damage. And it keeps him from learning bad habits with the girls. I think you would prefer this.

The easiest way would be to wait until your pullets are mature (have been laying for a month or so), and then get a rooster from someone who appreciates good rooster habits (some people think it's funny when a rooster chases a hen down. "Getting the job done!")

Whatever you choose, I hope it works out well.

 

[Otjb]

I can give advice, but I've never yet met a chicken who does exactly what the typical chicken does. Figuring out what your flock does, and what works for them and for you, is something I can't do.

If you really like him, wait and see if he starts to act up. Maybe he won't. It happens. Phillip (my juvie rooster) never went through a rough stage. If your boy does act up, try the "somewhat separated" option. I sometimes keep a wire cage in my coop for that purpose. That way, the chicken isn't completely isolated from the flock (that would be cruel; they're social animals) but they're not able to do damage. And it keeps him from learning bad habits with the girls. I think you would prefer this.

The easiest way would be to wait until your pullets are mature (have been laying for a month or so), and then get a rooster from someone who appreciates good rooster habits (some people think it's funny when a rooster chases a hen down. "Getting the job done!")

Whatever you choose, I hope it works out well.

Thank you for the help and advice.

 

[aart]

The best way I've seen it expressed is this: "You don't have hens and a rooster. You have pullets and a cockerel. The behaviours are completely different."

Exactly!

What would be the best solution right now for my cockerel?

Have another enclosure or crate ready to separate if needed. This is a good technique:

If you really like him, wait and see if he starts to act up. Maybe he won't. It happens. Phillip (my juvie rooster) never went through a rough stage. If your boy does act up, try the "somewhat separated" option. I sometimes keep a wire cage in my coop for that purpose. That way, the chicken isn't completely isolated from the flock (that would be cruel; they're social animals) but they're not able to do damage. And it keeps him from learning bad habits with the girls. I think you would prefer this.

Your ratio is pretty good, although it still may not work. @aart says it best and she’s right, ratios are a "crap shoot", they may or may not work out. Trial and error.

It's @Mrs. K Who says 'roosters are a crapshoot', and I agree.
This is my take on 'ratios....
The 'rooster' to hen ratio of 1:10 that is often cited is primarily for fertility efficiency in commercial breeding facilities.

It doesn't mean that if a cockbird has 10 hens that he won't abuse or over mate them.

Many breeders keep pairs, trios, quads, etc

It all depends on the temperaments of the cock and hens and sometimes housing provided.

Backyard flocks can achieve good fertility with a larger ratio.