Newb question about my layers...

[Kiki]

It depends on why your would want to keep a rooster.

Why would you?

 

[GC-Raptor]

5 pullets to 1 cockerel is on the lower end. Most recommend 12 to 1 minimum.
But it depends on breed, size and the individual rooster, as well as size of coop/run. Do the girls have a place to hide. Do they free range. Most important are your girls losing feathers from frequent mounting. Are they afraid of him, is he constantly chasing them.
This is something you need to observe to make a decision.
Depending on breed your girls may not be ready. Do they have bright red combs? GC

 

[tjb]

5 pullets to 1 cockerel is on the lower end. Most recommend 12 to 1 minimum.
But it depends on breed, size and the individual rooster, as well as size of coop/run. Do the girls have a place to hide. Do they free range. Most important are your girls losing feathers from frequent mounting. Are they afraid of him, is he constantly chasing them.
This is something you need to observe to make a decision.
Depending on breed your girls may not be ready. Do they have bright red combs? GC

2 of the red sex link and one other have had dark red combs for about two weeks. I do not see feather loss on the hens, however, I do see a few random on the ground of the coup. they do not free range at this time. They do have a place to hide if they want to get away.
He doesn't seem to be constantly chasing. They mill around a lot.

I was only keeping them to have a few chicks next year for my grandkids. I have NO problem with rehoming him if it is best. However, is so very beautiful.

 

[tjb]

It depends on why your would want to keep a rooster.

Why would you?[/QUOTE

I am at the beginning of the learning curve on raising chickens... I started with 13 pullets and sadly lost half early on... I was keeping the rooster to replace a few of the ones lost next spring and allow my gkids to enjoy the experience of hatching chicks. I will certainly rehome him if needed to protect the hens and encourage egg production.

 

[Kiki]

OK I totally understand.
I think it would be best to not have a rooster at this point, especially if your coop is not big enough.

 

[tjb]

OK I totally understand.
I think it would be best to not have a rooster at this point, especially if your coop is not big enough.

coup is about 120 square feet with a 3'x15' run. That would be about 20 sq ft each.
I hope that is sufficient.

 

[Kiki]

The coop size only should be at least 4 square feet per bird...the run at least 10 per bird.

 

[bobbi-j]

As with everything else chicken-related, the numbers we throw around here are suggestions. The space thing would be considered "minimum requirements". But every flock and every situation is different.

Something to think about is the breed of chickens you have. If you don't have a breed that tends to go broody, having a rooster won't matter. Even the ones known for broodiness aren't guaranteed to set - especially if they are hatchery birds. If you want your grandchildren to enjoy the chickens, I would suggest getting rid of the rooster, especially if they are quite young. Not all roosters are mean or will attack people, but why take the chance? Especially if you are just learning chickens. An all hen flock is easier to work with. I've had roosters that think their job is to "protect" the hens by herding them away every time I go near the coop. I'm OK with that. My chickens aren't pets anyway. But if you want your grand children to be able to interact with the hens, maybe have "pet" chickens, you're best off without a rooster.

 

[Kiki]

You know I really believe there are no "set in stone numbers"...we all do things differently and what ever works works til it doesn't.

 

[Kiki]

As with everything else chicken-related, the numbers we throw around here are suggestions. The space thing would be considered "minimum requirements". But every flock and every situation is different.

Something to think about is the breed of chickens you have. If you don't have a breed that tends to go broody, having a rooster won't matter. Even the ones known for broodiness aren't guaranteed to set - especially if they are hatchery birds. If you want your grandchildren to enjoy the chickens, I would suggest getting rid of the rooster, especially if they are quite young. Not all roosters are mean or will attack people, but why take the chance? Especially if you are just learning chickens. An all hen flock is easier to work with. I've had roosters that think their job is to "protect" the hens by herding them away every time I go near the coop. I'm OK with that. My chickens aren't pets anyway. But if you want your grand children to be able to interact with the hens, maybe have "pet" chickens, you're best off without a rooster.

We posted at the same time!
lol