Lost my whole flock to hawks....

Dee Dee N Desiree · Oct 19, 2017

foodstr7 said:
A couple of years ago I had 25 Buff Orpingtons (all hens) in a free-range, 100' x 50' space. Those 'lovely' chicken hawks wound up getting the whole flock. I'm in the process of gathering the money to build a chicken-wire "tent" over their NOW 50' x 50' space, and getting a new flock next Spring.

This time around, I plan to get 25-30 birds and include at least one rooster to--hopefully--provide fertile eggs that I (or the chickens) can hatch.

I'm including pictures of my, now deceased, flock at feeding-time, and of their 'quonset hut' pen and roost.View attachment 1163885 View attachment 1163886 (The wood planks around the pen is to stop dogs/coyotes/foxes from digging under.)

Can anyone tell me if one rooster is enough for 30 females, or--if 2 are needed--would they just wind up fighting?

Hi, oh my I'm sorry about your flock. My dog has gotten a few feathers from my girls and I'm just a wreck. I can't imagine losing the whole flock. It sounds like you have a good plan for this go-round. I wish you all the best. I only hatched yesterday and my flock is only 6 months old, so I can't help with your questions. I've already gotten some great tips and I'm certain, someone will be able to help. Welcome!