Roo to hen ratio?

[2mnypets]

We currently have 20 chicks that range in age from 4, 6 & 8 weeks. Currently we have 6 known cockrels (5 BSL & 1 RIW). Now come the end of this month or the 1st of June, we are to receive 25 more chicks. There will be 1 cockrel that was deliberately ordered (Spitzhauben - I know they don't breed well

) and then I am gambeling with the straight run ( no other choice for this breed when I ordered) of White Crested Black Polish. The other 19 that I ordered are pullets. So we will have a total of 45 chickens. With that number, what is the ratio for roos to hens. Some will either have to be given away or culled. We were waiting for some age to determine temperments and physical appearance before we decided what roo or roo's will stay and which will go. How long do I have before we HAVE to thin the roo's out due to a roosters natural tendency to fight each other for alpha position (if that's what you call it for chickens) and hens? Thanks in advance!

Right now all pullets (except for my five 4 week old pullets who are still in the brooder in the house) and cockrels are living harmoniously together in their coop and enclosed run.

 

[evergreen]

I didn't have much problem with my roos fighting but did have problem with too many. My poor hens were so scared of the roosters that when I went in the pen I had to take the hoe and push the roosters off the hens. They were literaly skinning the hens because as soon as one got off the next one would get on. I had to beg my cousin to take them just to save my chickens. Kept one rooster and he's a gentleman, lets his girls eat first and then he eats.

My husband won't eat them so I just gave them away.

 

[bigzio]

2mnypets, Keeping close watch and management of your flock will tell you how many roo's work for your flock. The norm is 10 to 12 hens for every roo, however breed and living space also matter.

I have one roo for 14 hens at the present time, and he is more than enough.

If fertile eggs are important, then keep that in consideration, if that isn't a concearn, then alot less roo's mean alot less stress for the hens. Roo's definatly cause stress to the hens, so too many is a problem for them.

bigzio