Question: How many Hens per Rooster??

[Ridgerunner]

I have heard different no less than 5 hens for a rooster and no more than 10-12 to one rooster.

You are liable to hear about anything on this topic. That's because there are no rules. Any ratio can work well or any ratio can have problems. Each chicken (boy and girl) has its own personality, the more room you have the better, and how you manage them can have an effect.

Why do you want a rooster? The only reason you need a rooster is for fertile eggs. Anything else is personal preference. Nothing wrong with personal preferences, I have a few myself. I typically suggest you keep as few roosters as you can and still meet your goals. That's not because you are guaranteed to have problems with more roosters, just that problems are more likely the more boys you have.

Your decision should be based on your goals and desires, not mine or any other stranger's. If two boys is what you want that is a great decision.

 

[Mrs. K]

Right now, at this stage of the game, you have a head count, but really cockerels are very unpredictable and you may change your mind who you keep and who goes. Keep the least possible, the more you keep the greater the odds of it not working.

Do have a way to separate them and cage them away from each other if needed. It should be set up and ready to go.

I would recommend much MORE space in the set up if you are keeping multiple roosters. More space than the 4 feet per hen in coop, 10 feet per run.

I would want two roosters for 23 head...says the lady that currently has culled down to nine head, and so far...kept the EC (eye candy, juvenile cockerel) with the flock master ugly as sin rooster and her fingers crossed. I do have an alternative place set up, and I do have a fish net at hand, and I am making up my mind.

good luck

Mrs K

 

[Aunt Angus]

Right now, at this stage of the game, you have a head count, but really cockerels are very unpredictable and you may change your mind who you keep and who goes. Keep the least possible, the more you keep the greater the odds of it not working.

Do have a way to separate them and cage them away from each other if needed. It should be set up and ready to go.

I would recommend much MORE space in the set up if you are keeping multiple roosters. More space than the 4 feet per hen in coop, 10 feet per run.

I would want two roosters for 23 head...says the lady that currently has culled down to nine head, and so far...kept the EC (eye candy, juvenile cockerel) with the flock master ugly as sin rooster and her fingers crossed. I do have an alternative place set up, and I do have a fish net at hand, and I am making up my mind.

good luck

Mrs K

Very good advice about separation and set up.

 

[Rammer1961]

As you can see, there is no simple answer. Are you new to chickens? Do you want them to be your pets, or a food source? What are your flock goals? What makes a rooster a good addition to your flock? Do you plan on hatching chicks? Do you have a plan for extra males if you do?

This is my 3rd flock. I got this flock for my granddaughter so they are pets and primarily for egg production. I have incubated and hatched chicks in the past and may do so again in a couple of years since I have 12 ISA Browns which should produce really well for the first 2 or 3 years but fall short there afterwards. It's my first time having any ISA Browns. They are very friendly and dossal girls. They jump up in my lap when I set in my chair in the yard and like attention . In the past I've always had Road Island Reds, Wyandotte's, and Golden Comets. Had a coupe turkeys and a rescue duck that showed up one night and became part of the flock LOL. I just enjoy them. It's a stress reliever to just sit out with them and watch them every afternoon when I get home from work. Kind of like having kids again.

 

[3KillerBs]

I got this flock for my granddaughter

If a young child is involved in their care then you are better off with no males at all.

Cockerels and roosters are unpredictable and can turn aggressive without warning. When they attack they leap and aim for the face/eyes. Children can be seriously injured and/or maimed for life.

I have good boys whom I can trust with my back turned, but I don't let my grandchildren into the coop or run.