New Flock Rescue Hens and Old Flock

[Kelipal]

I acquitted 9 new visitors after helping the SSPCA rescue some abandoned girls/boys. They were so bedraggled, thin and lacking feathers that telling if they were male or female was difficult. But I couldn't say no when the SSPCA asked if I could take some as not all would fit in their van. They joined my five girls and settled in their new cosy shed. After two weeks they have grown new feathers, are starting to get a little fatter and now five crow so I now know who the boys are although they could be any age. Two strut their stuff and the others tag along. No fights as yet. Never having had boys before I had some questions. How many cocks can I have in my flock (I think I have too much), they are all mixed breeds but the silkie cock seems to be in charge. I don't think anyone round where I live would want to give the boys a "good home" and it saddens me to think that I rescued them from a sad existence to only have them end up in the oven. Any tips or will I just have to toughen up.
Any advice welcome
Kel

 

[21hens-incharge]

If you had 5 hens and brought in 9 birds where 5 revealed themselves to be boys you have 5 boys more then you need and at least 4 of them should go.
You only have 9 girls. That many boys will run them ragged and fight amongst themselves. Best thing for the girls is to not allow that to even start.

 

[Kelipal]

Thank you was possibly going to keep one boy but thought the rest should go soon.

 

[21hens-incharge]

It is a hard decision I know. It is however important for the wellbeing of your flock.

 

[lazy gardener]

Are you even in a neighborhood that allows roos? Are you really wanting to have a rooster? Prepared for the crowing that will start at least an hour before sunrise every morning? (yes, even Saturday, when you just might want to sleep in a bit longer) That crowing will continue in fits and starts all day, every day. If you really don't intend to hatch your own birds, then, I recommend that you remove ALL of the cockerels from your flock. At the very most, keep ONLY one.

 

[Mrs. K]

If you have a lot of space, a lot of chicken experience, keep one, if not, let them all go. Give your self some time to get chicken experience. Roosters take experience, in my opinion.

 

[Peep boy]

Remember, rescuing them wasn't for nothing even if they get eaten. If you provided them with everything they needed and are happy, you did everything anyone could ask for.

 

[Kelipal]

If you have a lot of space, a lot of chicken experience, keep one, if not, let them all go. Give your self some time to get chicken experience. Roosters take experience, in my opinion.

I have a lot of space and have had girls for years but not a cock and already their wee personalities are coming through. I think I will keep one who seems happy around the girls but not ready to jump all over them and he is still wary of me so seems the right one. I am in the countryside so crowing not a problem. Thank you for all your advice.

 

[Kelipal]

Remember, rescuing them wasn't for nothing even if they get eaten. If you provided them with everything they needed and are happy, you did everything anyone could ask for.

That is a lovely thing to say and you are right to remind me that even if they were only happy for a wee while they got to roam, were cosy, got treats and even got used to my dog, then it was ten times better than they had fending for themselves. Thank you for your words of wisdom.