Male/Female Ratios

[Brittanysorrels]

We currently have 4 chickens. 2 female and looks like our 2 orps are male. Will be getting rid of one Roo. How vital is it to get at least 2 more hens? I don’t want them to get hurt from over mating.
Any advise appreciated!

 

[HoneyBeeHomestead]

Hi, it depends a lot on the rooster, some are a lot more gentle than others. But it's safer to have a higher ratio. I'd get at least a few more hens and keep an eye on them to make sure they are all doing good!

 

[Cheekychook12]

We currently have 4 chickens. 2 female and looks like our 2 orps are male. Will be getting rid of one Roo. How vital is it to get at least 2 more hens? I don’t want them to get hurt from over mating.
Any advise appreciated!

Probably a good idea to get more, but depends on the rooster
Are they still young chicks or adult chickens?

 

[fluffycrow]

Working with live animals, one doesn’t get many guarantees.

1 male to 15 has worked here, as have 1 to 2, 1 to 7, and many more. Age and time of year also play a role in this.

Young cockerels here are much more hormone driven, as are males during the breeding months. Males will also pick favourites, that’s usually 1-3 females, but will gladly accept more.

It is definitely possible that you will need to get more females, but it’s also possible that your current ratio will work out well. Whether or not you would prefer playing it safe (i.e. getting more females now) before/if it becomes a problem is up to you. Make sure to quarantine new birds before introducing them to your current group

 

[Brittanysorrels]

Probably a good idea to get more, but depends on the rooster
Are they still young chicks or adult chickens?

They are a little over a month old. They Will be going to the coop this weekend. Figured I can just replace my brooder chicks & start the process over again!

 

[Mrs. K]

Just let both roosters go, and add more pullets. Then you are not over crowding, not dealing with juvenile cockerels wearing out pullets and starting with a hen only flock is a good way to start. You have years to do this hobby- can add a rooster later if you want.