One roo with just two standard hens?

[Sonya9]

First time having chicks. One of the chicks is a little roo, all are 8 weeks old.

So I have a blue ameraucauna roo, and two females (one ameraucauna and one dominique). I also have a 7 month old Bantam hen.

Are two standard hens enough for the roo? They have a 4x8 foot coop and a 40 x 40 pen. Is he going to worry the hens to death? Should I get another 8 week old pullet now to mix in?

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

He may very well worry them (highly likely). Usually, the recommended ratio is 1 roo to 10-12 hens. Some people can get away with less, some need many more. My concern is for your bantam hen. If shes a part of the standard flock, its pretty much guaranteed he'll want to mate with her at some point or another. Sometimes that works out fine, other times it doesn't. I manage to keep 1 bantam rooster with 3-4 hens just fine, but they always seem much more mellow than my standard boys. Maybe you could trade your rooster for a bantam roo?

 

[Sonya9]

Thanks. I called the breeder and talked to him about it, I also asked if he had any 8 week old pullets (he might have a couple but mostly has tiny chicks and I sure don't want to start another batch in the brooder, these just moved out and I have peace in the house!).

He seems to think they will probably be okay though when its "breeding season" he will worry some even if I have a lot of hens.

I am also going to call my vet and ask about caponizing to see if that is an option.