rooster/hen ratio

[jenson2003]

so im getting chickens and the coop ive got only holds five medium birds
i want a rooster so would a hen saddle be ok so that the rooster isnt
stressing the hens and ruining there coat i found some really nice saddles
and i really would like to breed as i have an 8 year old brother who would love to
show him the life cycle of the chicken.
if you have any info please tell me what i can do
thanks in advance

 

[nchls school]

Many roosters are fine with four hens. Some breeds are more aggressive with hens than others. I do not often see my rooster mating and the eggs are fertile. What with brooding, my rooster frequently has only one or two hens with him; all are in good feather.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

It wouldn't hurt to get a couple saddles. Wait till you see some wear and tear so you can use them on the rooster's favorite hens.

 

[jenson2003]

Thanks im gonna try that and i think the rooster would be mad for all the girls though as there is only four birds
not 12 so im gonna get a few extra so that if a few saddles get broken i can replace them quickly

 

[jenson2003]

this website has some of the best help out thanks

 

[ChickenCanoe]

... the rooster would be mad for all the girls though as there is only four birds
...

When I have low ratios in flocks, I usually only see one or two hens with wear and tear.

 

[jenson2003]

ok btw is there any breed that suites this description:
A) very good layer
B)small/medium
C)cheap to buy
D)hybrid

 

[nchls school]

Some of the bantam/bantam mixes can be fairly good layers and fit your other requirements.

I have kept cochin bantams in pairs without the hen suffering from to much attention. My serama roosters are gentle with their hens also. I am sure there are other breeds where the roosters are similar.