Rooster : Hen ratio

[centrarchid]

Multiple roosters can be fun if you have the space and other resources needed. I can have as many as four free-range at a time without any real overlap in where they go or hens they typically associate with. They do fight once in a while but such is usually of very short duration with little harm. This requires space and a few other things.

 

[tatinatimom]

How much space would you say and what other things? I really don't want to get rid of any of them if I don't have to!! Would 8 hens be enough for 3 or 4 roos?

 

[centrarchid]

I assume your birds are kept free-range. Available space is more important than number of hens. Space must have multiple cover patches with feeding stations. Doing such easily is made easier when think of managing your flock like wildlife rather than as a production flock. You have time to decide.

How much area do the birds have access to?

Are they to be kept free range?

 

[tatinatimom]

This is our current set up based on only having hens it was efficient. now I have no idea.

 

[centrarchid]

if birds confined by perimeter fencing, then I would go one rooster with. You could keep another as a backup in a smaller pen and periodically rotate who is out.