Overbreeding

[jmdix22]

I have 4 Australorp 3 buff orpingtons and 1 polish. All hens. I have 1 Australorp and 1 BO Rooster. Will I have problems with over breeding?

 

[QueenMisha]

It's likely. You may see feather loss and/or what I call "battered hen syndrome", hiding in corners, refusing to come out of the coop, deterioration of health. Feather loss can be dealt with easily by purchasing saddles for afflicted hens, but if you see any fearful behavior you should rehome one of the roosters.

 

[aart]

I have 4 Australorp 3 buff orpingtons and 1 polish. All hens. I have 1 Australorp and 1 BO Rooster. Will I have problems with over breeding?

How old are they now?

What are your chicken keeping goals.....is there a reason you need 2 males?

That combo could be boatloads of trouble.....or not.
Lots of variables in balancing flock population.

 

[jmdix22]

They are 23 weeks now. The roosters mate the hens quite often that I can see. Feathers are normal for now! My goal was to keep the rooster from each breed so that I can breed true breeds in the spring. but I can eat the other rooster if needed. Won't bother me a bit.

 

[aart]

They are 23 weeks now. The roosters mate the hens quite often that I can see. Feathers are normal for now! My goal was to keep the rooster from each breed so that I can breed true breeds in the spring. but I can eat the other rooster if needed. Won't bother me a bit.

You'd need to segregate them to do that, so you might split flock into separate coops/runs....or free range on alternating days.

 

[jmdix22]

Unfortunately I don't have the ability to do that right now I'm at full capacity with work, family and farm. So looks like the extra one is dinner. Thanks for the replies! Very helpful!

 

[Free Feather]

They should be fine, just watch.