Never done before...

[Mr Doug]

We have had chickens for 3 yrs now, new flock each year. Always had pullets, but this year we wound up with one rooster. My thinking is to separate him and one or two hens to raise our own chicks now, and save the rest for eggs. My questions are many, but first and foremost, would one hen be enough with him? If not, how many? Will chicks be safe with him? If multiple hens, will chicks be safe from other hen(s)?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Depends on his temperament and the strength of the hens' feathers. I have several males kept with 1 or 2 hens and some that need multiple.

As.for raising their own chicks, first they have to actually go broody long enough to hatch eggs. Easier said than done. And then it just depends on how protective of a mom they are