Question regarding rooster management

[TSH16]

I picked up 12 "pullets" from AZ Chickens in Arizona only to discover that 6 are definitely roosters (possibly 8). I have a plan, which involves having separate living/grazing spaces for the ladies and the gents (only 7-9 hens here). My question is... Will the roosters being able to see the hens cause more aggressive/stressed out behavior? I have a fence separating them and am wondering if I need to block visibility as well. I've seen roosters get along when living separated from the hens, observing a strict pecking order of course. Am going to try to breed barnyard mixes (which is what these are), butchering the extra roosters, but am not sure if having them living across a chain link fence from each other is going to get the roosters more riled up. Thanks for any helpful comments!

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Having 6-8 roosters in the same area, in view of the ladies or not, will cause problems. Making lots of food available, and providing lots of space, will help minimize that of course. Abundance is a social lubricant.

I've seen them work it out in smaller numbers, but were it me, I'd manage the rooster situation by culling down to the best and a back up, while keeping an immature or two "in the wings" (hahaha), ready to be moved in if they prove superior genetically, or if your top bird either ages out or suffers injury.

 

[HawaiiCoyote]

Having 6-8 roosters in the same area, in view of the ladies or not, will cause problems. Making lots of food available, and providing lots of space, will help minimize that of course. Abundance is a social lubricant.

I've seen them work it out in smaller numbers, but were it me, I'd manage the rooster situation by culling down to the best and a back up, while keeping an immature or two "in the wings" (hahaha), ready to be moved in if they prove superior genetically, or if your top bird either ages out or suffers injury.

You should read @RoostersAreAwesome 's article on rooster flocks! If you have more than two roosters it is recommended to make a rooster flock, many people do it

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I'm aware it can be done - generally with abundance. Lots of feeders, lots of waterers, lots of space. At one point I had five drakes and only three hens among my pekins, They did, eventually, work it out.

I can't imagine (my inexperience here) having a large number of roosters in a relatively small space. Nor do I see much value in keeping a ratio of one to one / rooster to hen in a breeding flock. Reducing the number of roosters presents as a pragmatic solution.

and for what its worth, here's the link to Rooster's post about Rooster Flocks

Open Sanctuary also has an interesting article, again, space is a huge component. It recommend 35 to 50 sq ft of run per rooster in a flock, some 5x what many maintain in their run.

Meyer says you should double or triple the space you normally set aside...

So, I'll stick with my answer, thanks for checking my work.

 

[TSH16]

Thanks for the info! I've got time tomorrow and will go over the links you recommended.

I am planning on getting 6-10 more pullets from a chain feed store that was spot on sexing chicks last year when I got my first 3 ladies. I have a large area for the roosters, but it is just on the other side of a chain link fence from another large run for the hens - wasn't sure if I would need to but up a visual barrier as well, but will check out these links tomorrow.

Thanks again!

 

[TSH16]

I also have access to "almost free" second hand produce trimmings, so abundant food isn't a problem. But will probably butcher a couple once they get big enough to be worth it before breeding anyway.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Sounds like a plan, and that you've got things well together. The space will benefit you, and kitchen scraps within reason are always wlcome

 

[ThatLittleRedOne]

I picked up 12 "pullets" from AZ Chickens in Arizona only to discover that 6 are definitely roosters (possibly 8). I have a plan, which involves having separate living/grazing spaces for the ladies and the gents (only 7-9 hens here). My question is... Will the roosters being able to see the hens cause more aggressive/stressed out behavior? I have a fence separating them and am wondering if I need to block visibility as well. I've seen roosters get along when living separated from the hens, observing a strict pecking order of course. Am going to try to breed barnyard mixes (which is what these are), butchering the extra roosters, but am not sure if having them living across a chain link fence from each other is going to get the roosters more riled up. Thanks for any helpful comments!

Very possible and actually very enjoyable to have a bachelor group. But do so while they are young and not interested in the hens instead of waiting until after they have reached puberty. This will greatly lessen frustration by having "their hens" taken away. Also, just keep an eye on them. I've had roosters live in peace very well, but when there was a hen involved there was fighting for breeding rights. I hope all goes well!

 

[TSH16]

Very possible and actually very enjoyable to have a bachelor group. But do so while they are young and not interested in the hens instead of waiting until after they have reached puberty. This will greatly lessen frustration by having "their hens" taken away. Also, just keep an eye on them. I've had roosters live in peace very well, but when there was a hen involved there was fighting for breeding rights. I hope all goes well!

Yeah, going to play it by ear. there are 6 roosters and 45 hens. If there are major problems come mating season, I can fence off one of the coops to move in all the non-dominant roosters. But for now everything seems copacetic.