New chicks and ducklings

[Pork Pie]

Not yet, chicks and ducklings are in a large tub in my living room until I can build what's needed. A 70+ lady told me she use to raise them many years ago, but now doesn't and that I can have her coop. So later this week I'll try and move it. My wire fence is 6' x 100' so could put coop in middle of circle? Or should it be a rectangle?

Maybe read this link to assist your decision-making - Space requirements

 

[jastech]

Should I buy a rooster that'll get big to scare the cats away? What breed should I be considering? I read that Malay roosters are very protective of their flock? How many roosters for 40 chicks or when I add more?
Thanks

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

 

[drumstick diva]

Please don't expect roosters to protect your flock from from a bunch of cats. Roosters don't have nine lives. A few strands of electrified fencing should put the cats to flight.

 

[jastech]

Hmm, didn't think about a hot wire. I brought my fencers with me from Nebraska. My solar will do 15 miles I think. That might be enough for kitty's.

 

[Brahmachicken240]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens!

Feel free to drop in and share your flock

Updates for 2020 with us here in my 2020 flock life thread



https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/2020-flock-life.1351080/

It’s nice to meet you!

 

[Miss Lydia]

A lot of great information here!

 

[DiYMama540]

Welcome to BYC! Personally, through some bad rooster run ins, I'm terrified of roosters! I think there are plenty more efficient options of keeping the cats away!
Hope you enjoy all the articles and threads!

 

[DobieLover]

I raised my roosters chicks with the others. Then decided which ones to keep. Online information states one rooster per 10 hens. They will gather their own hens and move as one? So if that's true I'll have to buy 4 roosters. Its slim pickings out this way so may have to order online or buy from private party.

No.
The hen to rooster ratio of 10 to 1 is for breeding fertility. And the girls pick the boys. And it isn't like picking Dodge Ball teams. If one guy is preferred, he'll get most of the ladies.
I have a flock of 27 total birds with two roosters. The senior rooster is preferred by about 22 of the hens. Junior Mint still takes what he can but they don't come willingly and there are consequences for his actions if Big Daddy is close by.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Thanks for joining us!