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Rooster behavior with Hens

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by wjallen05, Apr 15, 2008.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Apr 15, 2008 #1
    wjallen05

    wjallen05 Songster

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    Apr 8, 2008
    North Georgia
    Someone told me to have atleast 10 hens per rooster, otherwise he will tare the hens up breeding them. Is this true?? What if I only want 4 hens with one rooster, is this a bad idea?
     
  2. Apr 15, 2008 #2
    rooster-red

    rooster-red Here comes the Rooster

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    Jun 10, 2007
    Douglasville GA
    A good ratio would be 10:1 to keep your hens from being overmated, but it also depends on the natural drives the rooster has.
    Some people have fewer hens with no problems.

    You could try it with 4 and see how it goes, add more hens later if needed.
     
  3. Apr 15, 2008 #3
    mommy9994

    mommy9994 Songster

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    central VA
    right now I have 2 roos and 2 hens, and I'm sure that my hens can't wait for my pullets to grow up! then there will be 30 girls, and I may have to think abut another roo. They aren't torn up-- though a little thin on the back feathering (especially the boys' favorite), but they sure can run fast!!
     
  4. Apr 15, 2008 #4
    hensdeliverthegoods

    hensdeliverthegoods Songster

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    Catawba County, NC
    You might want to try and get a banty rooster if your hens are standard size. They go a bit easier on them due to the size difference. [​IMG]
     

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