My flock free ranges. My roo is in the habit of coming by the house and crowing. If I build a run for him by the barn how often do I need to let him out with the ladies to have fertile eggs? or put the ladies in with him what would be better?
I'd keep the ladies with him. If you plan to continue free ranging, he will be an asset by alerting the hens of danger. Hens spend the majority of their time with their heads down and butts in the air. Roosters will eat some, but lookout for threats.
Quote:Agree 100%-a good rooster is a tremendous asset to your ladies. Plus, they're just beautiful to look at when they are out free ranging with the gals.
I would also let him roam - But to answer your question - he should mate each hen at least 1x per week for best fertility - maybe twice. I didn't like my rooster crowing under the bedroom window either - I put in an automatic door on the coop & make sure it doesn't open until 7:30 am.
