Roo to hen ratio?

[kriskirkland]

Hi all! We recently got 4 pullets as our first chick babies. Now that we have them I am hooked. I really want a roo so that down the rode they can make their own babies. However, I have heard that Roos do best with 10-12 hens in their flock, so I'm not sure if 4 would be enough? Our girls are only a few weeks old so we have time before eggs even think of happening, but if I get a roo I would like to get one soon so they "grow up" together. Thanks!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Heavy breeds can work with a lower ratio. I currently have one flock with only 3 hens with the roo and he hasn't been too hard on them.
10 to 12 is optimal so that most should be fertile.

 

[Arizona Son]

10 to 12 is optimal so that most should be fertile.

Can you explain this?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

A rooster can only get around to so many and often they have favorite hens. They can save the sperm for 3 weeks so even if he doesn't visit often the eggs will still be fertile. Lighter breeds can visit more, perhaps because they're faster.
Does that explain it?

 

[Arizona Son]

A rooster can only get around to so many and often they have favorite hens. They can save the sperm for 3 weeks so even if he doesn't visit often the eggs will still be fertile. Lighter breeds can visit more, perhaps because they're faster.
Does that explain it?

Yes, thank you