Questions for the DH...

[bbRedMom]

My husband is finally warming up to this whole country living thing. In fact in ways he is more protective of the animals than I am!

However, we have reached an impasse, and I need ya'll help to convince him. Or to prove me wrong, either way.

I have a small flock. 3 cockerels, 2 pullets, a hen (2-3 yrs) and an old hen, age unknown. I would like to get 3-4 more pullets/hens. I know I have too many boys to girls.

I've told DH that to ensure we get eggs/chicks, the ratio b:g needs to be at least 1:2, if not more. I'd like to get more now, he wants to wait until spring when we might have chicks. I then said we wont have chicks if he have too many roos.

What do ya'll think? Should I get hens now, so they can get used to each other over the winter, or wait until spring. I dont want chicks because I have trouble getting rid of roos. I'm a softy, I know.

Thanks!

 

[PotterWatch]

I believe the ratio of roos/hens should be more like 1/10. If you have too many roos, they will fight each other for the girls and the girls will end up overmated which isn't great for them.

 

[illinichick]

You definitely need to get rid of two roosters. I have 2 for 30 hens and that's one too many! Give the roosters away or put them in your crockpot, they make great chicken and noodles!
Your hens will thank you also!!!!!!!!!

 

[M@M@2four]

Quote:
Agreed...I have roos coming out my ears as well...eggbid here I come!!!

 

[pixiechic]

I agree - you definitely have too many roos. For 3 cockerels you could easily add another 20+ pullets to your group.

We have an awful ratio -- 9 girls and 6 boys -- and the chicken pen was in freakin' chaos until we segregated two of the boys. There's still some posturing, but it's a whole lot quieter, and at least they aren't tag-teaming the poor girls any more. I suspect we'll need to pull out at least one more roo, but we'll see.