Maximize rooster size?

[dyrne]

I've ordered some Jersey Giant roosters to keep an eye on the laying hens. Are there some specific steps and things I can feed to ensure they grow to as large and intimidating a size as possible? We've had a few instances where the kids left the gate open at night and lost some hens lately. Obviously that can't keep happening but I want to do as much as I can to give them some protection if something does get in.

Thanks

 

[lazy gardener]

No rooster will protect the flock in the middle of the night. They are all essentially helpless after dark. I would put the flock on multi flock. What breed are your hens? One thing to keep in mind is that you should match the size of roo to the size of the hen, in terms of breeding. A JG would not make a good mate for a bantam, or even the lighter weight EE, sex links, or leghorns.

 

[NorthTexasWink]

That roo is gonna squish your hens into chicken cutlets. Assuming your hens are NOT also giants.

 

[Chickassan]

Oh buddy are your hens not going to be happy with you!

 

[dyrne]

Hmm well that isn't the best news. The hens are a mix of welsummer, barred rock, ameraucana etc. The roosters haven't shipped yet. I could probably contact the hatchery and try to swap them out for another breed if it is better...

 

[Chickassan]

Oh no little ladies! Your intentions were good, anyway you can change your order to and get some less hefty roosters or are they set in stone?

 

[dyrne]

I'll do that then. Any recommendation on what I should get instead or should any males from those breeds work?

 

[Chickassan]

All those breeds should be fine they are medium size on the rooster scale so no flat ladies. The only kind on your list I've ever owned was ameraucana.Pretty nice guy but he took his job really seriously.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! As others have said, no rooster can do anything at night; that's up to you and the predator proof coop you've built. I've had hatchery JGs twice now from two different hatcheries, and the biggest haven't gotten to standard size for SQ birds. They have been very nice, but varied in size, and generally not huge. Get the breed you are most interested in, or get a mix of cockerels, and pick the one(s) that you like best, and who behave best, as they mature. Out of ten or fifteen cockerel chicks, one or two might make the grade, and I'd avoid any twelve pound giants! Mary

 

[Folly's place]

As daytime flock protecters, if you aren't raising chicks, maybe a game type? Old English Game? Aseel? Malay? Mary