No eggs yet

[remisbestbud]

I got a straight run of chicks on 2/14 and we got 24. 16 are roosters. Taking to market on 7/9 because we have so many. I have 4 or 5 hens (do you call them hens at 20 weeks?) We lost 3 to predators/accidents. The rest are all very healthy and robust. The roosters are ganging up on the hens and ducks and other roosters. Should I keep one as the protector as they free range and are put up at night.

Will one rooster wear out 4/5 hens? I really wanted hens for the eggs. (My boyfriend got a bit over zealous with the number of chicks we got...I only wanted six) I'm brand new to the country and chickens so any help will be so appreciated.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I got a straight run of chicks on 2/14 and we got 24. 16 are roosters. Taking to market on 7/9 because we have so many. I have 4 or 5 hens (do you call them hens at 20 weeks?) We lost 3 to predators/accidents. The rest are all very healthy and robust. The roosters are ganging up on the hens and ducks and other roosters. Should I keep one as the protector as they free range and are put up at night.

Will one rooster wear out 4/5 hens? I really wanted hens for the eggs. (My boyfriend got a bit over zealous with the number of chicks we got...I only wanted six) I'm brand new to the country and chickens so any help will be so appreciated.

Welcome to BYC!
At 20 weeks your girls are still pullets - and will be until they reach 1 year of age. At 20 weeks it is also not unexpected that you are not yet seeing eggs as you are just at the edge of the "normal range" for the onset of production. The added stress of the constant harassment and abuse by the overwhelming gender imbalance is not going to help them in the production department (or overall health) so it is good to hear you are soon to correct that. Whether you opt to keep a cockerel or not is something only you can decided. I, personally, do not use them for protection, flock leadership, etc - the only reason I keep a cockerel/rooster at this point is if/when I want to breed. A male will be little use for protection at night as a rooster at roost is just as vulnerable as a hen/pullet at roost.

 

[remisbestbud]

Thanks for your advice. I think things will be much more manageable around here when I get rid of the abundance of roosters. Next time I get chicks, I'll pay more and just get the females. I really have no need for the roosters, although they are beautiful and interesting to watch and I do like to hear the crowing.

 

[aart]

1 cockerel is might be too much for 4-5 pullets...sometimes those numbers can work out just fine, sometimes not.
But you're right, things will be much more peaceful with no cockerels around.

Curious where you are located that you have a market available to sell them...I thought all poultry swaps/auctions etc were shut down because of AI.

Are any of your ducks male?
If so, I hope your ratio is good there because a male duck can physically injure a chicken by mating it.

 

[remisbestbud]

I'm leaning to that way of thinking on not keeping a rooster.

I have 3 Male and 3 Female Mallard's. I've got them confined to their own pen, rather than free ranging right now, because the Roosters won't leave them alone. They seem quite content. Have seen two on one a couple of times, I'm trying to keep a good eye out on their behavior. Should they be separated? Is that too many males per female?

Thanks for your advise!

 

[aart]

I'm leaning to that way of thinking on not keeping a rooster.

I have 3 Male and 3 Female Mallard's. I've got them confined to their own pen, rather than free ranging right now, because the Roosters won't leave them alone. They seem quite content. Have seen two on one a couple of times, I'm trying to keep a good eye out on their behavior. Should they be separated? Is that too many males per female?

Thanks for your advise!

Don't know much about duck behavior....but do know that drakes have penises and roosters don't, drake can mount a chicken hen and hurt her if he penetrates her.

There is a duck forum here that you might want to check out.