Rooster question

[lovemyjjbs]

if I have 21 hens, how many roosters can I safely have? Should I still have only 1 or would 2 be OK with all those hens?

 

[LikeTurkeys]

With 21 hens, I think your flock should be able to accommodate 2 roosters. The general rule of thumb is 10 hens per rooster. If they grow up together it may be easier to manage. It also may depend on the breed of rooster (e.g., 2 Black Copper Marans or RIR may not work out as well as a Buff Orpington with a Cochin).

 

[lovemyjjbs]

With 21 hens, I think your flock should be able to accommodate 2 roosters. The general rule of thumb is 10 hens per rooster. If they grow up together it may be easier to manage. It also may depend on the breed of rooster (e.g., 2 Black Copper Marans or RIR may not work out as well as a Buff Orpington with a Cochin).

Thank you for responding. I was really hoping that would be the case. I bought all "pullets" at the feed store and ordered a Orpington rooster but low and behold one of my wyandottes that I got with the bunch is looking like she is a he Do you think the SLW will be OK breed wise with the Buff since they have been raised together?

 

[LikeTurkeys]

Thank you for responding. I was really hoping that would be the case. I bought all "pullets" at the feed store and ordered a Orpington rooster but low and behold one of my wyandottes that I got with the bunch is looking like she is a he Do you think the SLW will be OK breed wise with the Buff since they have been raised together?

Yes, I think so. Good luck with your Orpington rooster, I've wanted one for a while now! Heard they are the friendliest as well.

What I didn't take into consideration is the age factor here; introducing two young 'brother' roosters to a mature flock v.s. two 'brother' roosters growing up with pullets their age. I know it can cause warped social skills with respect to their human keepers, but I am not sure how it would effect their behavior to each other . Someone else will probably have to drop some input in on that.