Rooster ratios

[SamanthaDianne]

We may have gotten off to an ambitious start with this chicken keeping business lol

Ok here’s some back story. We had a tiny established flock of three hens then we added so at that point we had one rooster 11 hens total. Then we ordered fall chicks and I ordered 14 pullets and one more roo. Well the hatchery threw in a spare and I’m pretty sure it’s a roo. I don’t plan on adding any more any time soon but am I going to have enough hens to keep the roosters happy or are they going to be fighting over them?​

 

[SamanthaDianne]

Just some pics bc they make me smile lol

 

[NuggetTheChicken]

So you have 25 hens and 3 roos right? Usually the right ratio to roosters to hens is 1:10. 1 rooster for every 10 hens. But this really depends on the tendencies of the rooster itself. Are the roosters aggressive towards the hens? Are they gentle with them? Do they fight with each other? If the roosters aren't aggressive towards the hens and are gentle when mating, keep them. But it is really your judgement here. Very cute pics .

 

[SamanthaDianne]

So you have 25 hens and 3 roos right? Usually the right ratio to roosters to hens is 1:10. 1 rooster for every 10 hens. But this really depends on the tendencies of the rooster itself. Are the roosters aggressive towards the hens? Are they gentle with them? Do they fight with each other? If the roosters aren't aggressive towards the hens and are gentle when mating, keep them. But it is really your judgement here. Very cute pics .

I guess time will just tell. Our one grown rooster is pretty calm, like he’s never shown aggression toward me or my son. The other two are only about six or seven weeks old so we will have to just see about those.

 

[NuggetTheChicken]

When they get a little older, you can make your decision from there. Right now they are only 2 months old, not really sexually mature, so in a few months, you'll know which ones to keep. Time will tell. Enjoy your chickens .

 

[Skippersnh]

i have 4 roosters and 5 hens no issues at all they have to have plenty of space and it helps to have a good lead rooster in my opinion

 

[aart]

I guess time will just tell. Our one grown rooster is pretty calm, like he’s never shown aggression toward me or my son. The other two are only about six or seven weeks old so we will have to just see about those.

Might work out.... or not.
I'd strongly suggest you have an enclosure ready, and a longer term plan, in case things go sideways. When it gets ugly, it happens fast.
You could use that prefab coop for the 2 extra males.
Is there enough roost space in that A-frame to carry 26 birds?

The 'rooster' to hen ratio of 1:10 that is often cited is primarily for fertility efficiency in commercial breeding facilities.
It doesn't mean that if a cockbird has 10 hens that he won't abuse or over mate them.
Many breeders keep pairs, trios, quads, etc
It all depends on the temperaments of the cock and hens and sometimes housing provided.
Backyard flocks can achieve good fertility with a larger ratio.

 

[SamanthaDianne]

Might work out.... or not.
I'd strongly suggest you have an enclosure ready, and a longer term plan, in case things go sideways. When it gets ugly, it happens fast.
You could use that prefab coop for the 2 extra males.
Is there enough roost space in that A-frame to carry 26 birds?

The 'rooster' to hen ratio of 1:10 that is often cited is primarily for fertility efficiency in commercial breeding facilities.
It doesn't mean that if a cockbird has 10 hens that he won't abuse or over mate them.
Many breeders keep pairs, trios, quads, etc
It all depends on the temperaments of the cock and hens and sometimes housing provided.
Backyard flocks can achieve good fertility with a larger ratio.

Yes they would all fit fine in the large coop. The smaller two were our starter ones and I kept them for the girls to lay in and in case there was an emergence and I needed to quarantine one of them.

 

[aart]

Yes they would all fit fine in the large coop. The smaller two were our starter ones and I kept them for the girls to lay in and in case there was an emergence and I needed to quarantine one of them.

Does the large coop have nests?
So you have 2 pre fabs?
They are terrible for main coops, but sure are handy for isolation coops!

 

[Folly's place]

You really have cockerels and pullets, unless your older birds are from 2018. So, all youngsters. This may or may not work out, and you might find that some of your boys turn into jerks as they mature. Have that Plan B ready!
In spring, when they are more mature, and hormones are running high, be ready for interesting times, maybe.
Also, if you plan to raise chicks from your flock, pick the boy or boys who will produce the type of chicks you are interested in having. And remember that half or more of them will be cockerels!!!
Very few cockerels are actually worth keeping as breeders, and you most are meant to be dinner for a family.
Mary