OK question about roosters

[cajunlizz]

we have 45 pullets , no roosters .

We have RIR's , bantams , Barred Rocks , and Austrolorps .


We are thinking of getting a rooster . WHAT KIND ? & HOW MANY ?

:cd

 

[turnerstar31]

You do not need a rooster in order to get eggs just to let you know. You will need about 1 rooster for every 10 hens if you do decide to get them. I would personally go with the breeds that you already have. Barred rocks are pretty nice roosters never had a RIR one before or an austrolorp. I also would go with what you want. Look at some pictures of what a rooster will look like when he is older and pick one you like the looks of.

 

[cajunlizz]

OK . but if I got 45 chickens right now , I would need to get 4 or 5 roosters ? WOULD all these roosters have to be the same breed ? WOULD they fight if they are ALL different breeds ? Or don't matter either way , would probably fight for control over the flock ?




YES , I know to have EGGS ONLY I do not need a rooster .

I think hubby is softening up on the hatching IDEA . LOL

 

[chick4chicks]

I personally don't have a Partridge Rock rooster but the pics. of them are gorgeous. Tried to get one but they were sold out, dang oh well maybe next year. Good luck with all your chicks.

e

 

[seriousbill]

Quote:
No, you don't really need 4 or 5 roosters. That's just a general rule of thumb for maximum fertility. Two or three would probably be just fine and would be easier on your hens (in my experience, an active young roo needs 15-18 hens to avoid bare backs--others' experience will vary). I usually don't have a problem with fertility at that ratio, trust me.

They do not have to be the same breed unless you want them to be. Whatever breed they are, they'll be more likely to get along if they're raised together, but they may still fight. It depends on the individuals in question. I'd get two brothers, raise them together, and hope for the best. I'd also separate out and pen together my bantam hens. They'll get rough treatment indeed from a standard roo. I keep mine penned separately with their own guy. Anyway, I hope some of this helps.