Rooster question

[jenije]

I got 6 silkies from tractor supply, of course hoping for hens. Looks like I got 4 roosters and 2 hens. The only rooster experience I have was several years ago when our hand raised sweet chicken went nuts and started attacking any human it could. I gave him back to the farmer who gave it to us. So I'm nervous, can all 4 live together, or do I need to find homes for them? Is there anything we can do to make sure they are not mean? Thanks for any info.

 

[luvmypets]

There is no way you can keep all those roos with your girls. They will probably fight ovr mating and overbreed your girls. Are you sure they r all roos. I think you should chose a roo with good attitude(not aggressive), and breed features as I am guessing you want chicks from him eventually.

 

[jenije]

Well we got them as an impulse buy because we had always loved the look of the silkie. We have several hens and guineas as well. Never actually thought of breeding them, but now that there are roosters I may in the future. I'm still guessing about the roosters but have seen some of them fighting already. Any suggestions on how to re-home the boys?

 

[luvmypets]

yes try this link, craiglist or local feed stores.



https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/16182/animals-in-need-of-free-re-homing

 

[jenije]

Thanks. I will wait until they reach laying age to make sure, then start looking for homes. If I do keep a rooster is there info out there that anyone recommends reading to learn about their care. Is it any different than keeping hens?

 

[tinkershell767]

I've never cared for the roos differently. All that's different is that they're boys and all the rest are girls.