New to chickens

[chickee35]

i know this is probably a dumb question, but I am new to raising chickens and after searchin the net I can't seem to find anything. I have three roosters in my coop. All three are pretty agressive with the hens. It seems that they are constantly jumping on them and biting the back of the hens neck. I assume that this is normal but what is excessive? today, i was really bothered by this and locked the roosters out of the coop. I just felt like the hens needed a break. Even when my hens go to eat the roosters pounce on them. Am I making the situation worse by locking them out? Is this just normal behavior? Last night, one of my adult ducks was in the coop and one of my roosters pinned him to the ground. I am a little embarrassed posting this but was hoping for some advice. Thanks in advance. Sandy

 

[seminolewind]

Maybe you should rehome all but one or all of the roosters. I think 3 might be too many. Gosh, those poor hens!
Karen

 

[Redfeathers]

How many hens do you have? For a small group I think one rooster is all that is needed. I'd sell the two you like least and keep the nicest rooster.

 

[chickee35]

I have 34 hens, I had read somewhere that a good ratio is 1 rooster to 10 hens. Although, I have no no problem letting two of the roosters go, maybe even all three, the problem is I can't find anyone around this area that want roosters. I am willing to just give them away, but just can't find anyone to take them. My husband checked on them tonight, all is calm in the coop for now. But I think that I will keep them out of the coop tommorow too. That worked pretty well today I think, as long as the weather holds out. We have a large barn that is sitting empty, maybe I will move them to the barn until I can find someone to take them. Thanks for the feedback

 

[tx_dane_mom]

Are the roos fighting? 3 to 34 doesn't sound bad. Are your hens loosing feathers? I'm just curious if you are witnessing 'normal' mating behavior. If you aren't interested in fertile eggs/hatching, then rehoming the roos or culling them is probably your best answer, if you are interested in fertile eggs, then eliminate them one at a time.
HTH,
Kristi

 

[TxChiknRanchers]

Sounds like time to eat at least one ot two roosters. Is that an option for you? Oh and how large is the coop? You need quite a bit of space for 34 hens and three roosters. About 150 sq ft would be ideal . Separating the roosters is a good short term fix and then you can make a decision about culling if necessary.

 

[peepkeeper]

Watching a rooster mate with a hen is pretty harsh, that's pretty much what it looks like and it's normal. Your ratio sounds pretty good, I'd watch the hens and go by their reactions. Are they calm and happy? Can they sleep, eat, hang out without undue harrassment? Or are they edgy, afraid to come down off their roost, being chased non stop and missing back feathers? If the latter, get rid of 2 roosters.

 

[chickee35]

None of my hens are missing feathers that are apparant. I have silkies and cochin bantmas. I have read that these are supposed to be some of the more "mellow" breeds which is why I purchased them. The hens are eating well and at least one of them is laying an egg a day. I really just want eggs (not necessarily fertilized ones) I do have to say that I have never culled a chicken before. I really wouldn't mind if it was done, I just don't think that i can be the one to do it!

P.S. My chicken coop is 20X30 and I also have built a pretty large chicken run that connects to a small door so they can go outside if they like I close it at night) Originally, I let them roam around our acreage but I had big HAWK problems! So in they went...

PSS. My Silkie eggs are hatching in the bator! I stayed up all night and videop taped them hatching! WOW! That was a first! I have some terrific video!

Thanks,

Sandy