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?
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.
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!!
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.