Random Questions!

[Deb Blackowiak]

At the end of March, I got chicks for the 1st time (Tractor Supply). 5 lavendar orpingtons and what I thought were 5 easter eggers. 3 of the eggers are much smaller and different colored from the other 2. Mostly brown/tannish.
I've come to realize I have 5 roos and 5 hens. Roos are 3 orpingtons, 2 eggers - one of them a little guy.
The other day I noticed the big egger roo and little guy were fighting - flying at each other and chasing around the run. They are both very vocal on a daily basis, as well.
My question - should I rehome at least a couple roos? I don't want the hens getting mauled constantly. The orpington roos are a little more assertive, but not what I'd consider mean.
Also, if I were able to trade a roo for a different hen, would that cause a problem for the established flock?
Any constructive advice is appreciated!

 

[fluffycrow]

5 males to 5 females is definitely not ideal, especially in a confined setting, and even more so for a beginner.

My recommendation would be to find new homes or eat 4 of the males, and keep just one.

If you were to trade some of the males for females, you will need to introduce the new birds (after they have been properly quarantined) carefully.

I've found that the "see no touch" method works best for me. After the new birds have finished with their quarantine, keep them next to your current birds, but in a way that they can only see eachother, not touch. After two weeks or so, remove the barrier, and see how it goes. Usually by that point the introduction is much smoother; only a few pecks and fights