One rooster with one hen...both are meat kings...is this ok for the hen?

[SillyBird]

Hi,
I've read that one rooster, especially a meat king, is too much for one hen, even if she is a meat king herself. I have two meat king pets, a hen and a rooster, who are approximately seven months old, have always been each others best friend, and both appear healthy and happy. The hen has been laying eggs since about 5 months of age. My question is...do you think the rooster is too much for her since she is the only hen, regarding mating? Should I separate them? I'd hate to do this as they always stand side by side and get along so well. I collect her eggs as I do with the laying hens who are housed separetely...but sometimes there are no eggs, or I find one broken (not sure if this means anything is 'wrong' either). I would appreciate any advice you have to offer. Thank you.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

If she seems fine and she isn't getting mated too much it can be fine, watch for feathers wearing off her back or if she starts to refuse to come off the roosts, otherwise they make hen saddles. All roosters are different and occasionally one is fine with just one lady to care for.

 

[azygous]

The new hen I adopted a month ago had a rooster as a cage buddy at the animal shelter where both had been waiting for new homes. I was told they cuddled together sweetly the week they were together. So it's not uncommon for a roo and a hen to be best buddies.

Roosters over a year old are a lot less likely to be jerks since their hormones have begun to taper off, and they are also learning to cope with them better than young cockerels.

As oldhen suggests, just watch for signs of over-mating. There's no need for concern otherwise.

 

[SillyBird]

Thank you both so much for your information...I really appreciate it. The hen seems fine but I'll keep an eye on the situation. I'd hate to separate them...they always hang out together. : )