Lonely Roo?

[Ted Brown]

I have both mixed along with four Chantecler hens, 16 in total; my roo is a mixed Black Copper Maran. I have previously had multiple males but culled and/or lost to predators.

I want to get one or more Chantecler males so that I can increase my Chantecler hen count. I will segregate the males into a section of the run that will also serve as a mating pen probably once per year. This space will have a sheltered enclosure with a roost.

I know chickens are social and best kept in a group however I will not go back to multiple roos with the flock given behavioral issues and my desire to control breeding access.

Can I keep a single roo in this segregated space or am I better to have multiple?

 

[M-H-Fielding]

I have both mixed along with four Chantecler hens, 16 in total; my roo is a mixed Black Copper Maran. I have previously had multiple males but culled and/or lost to predators.

I want to get one or more Chantecler males so that I can increase my Chantecler hen count. I will segregate the males into a section of the run that will also serve as a mating pen probably once per year. This space will have a sheltered enclosure with a roost.

I know chickens are social and best kept in a group however I will not go back to multiple roos with the flock given behavioral issues and my desire to control breeding access.

Can I keep a single roo in this segregated space or am I better to have multiple?

I have separated roos before, the only way to tell if he will be lonely or not is to test it out by separating him. Some of mine were great when separated, others could not stand the solitude.

 

[Ted Brown]

I have separated roos before, the only way to tell if he will be lonely or not is to test it out by separating him. Some of mine were great when separated, others could not stand the solitude.

Thank you.

Was your roo completely away from the others or able to see the the rest of the flock?

Did you have a single or multiple roos separated?

 

[JedJackson]

You can keep a single rooster segregated, but it's not ideal. Even with wire separation, the males may fight anyway. They can hurt themselves and it also can decrease fertility.

Personally, I would re-home the rooster that is not wanted for breeding and stick to one male only. Less problems and expense that way, not to mention less noise.