Rooster to hen ratio

[FlatFenders]

I have 19 young hens, 5 different breeds and 4 leghorn roosters. (by accident, didn't plan on having any roosters) The oldest hens are about 12 weeks (as of June 19, 2019). The roosters are 8 weeks. How many roosters should I keep? (if any) What do I do with the others?

 

[sylviethecochin]

I like having a lad or three with with the flock. They're more alert than the hens; they'll call the hens if they find treats; they provide me with chicks. I especially like Leghorn roosters, partially because they seem to have pretty decent flock instincts, partially because I want my next generation to be good egg producers.

One's good with that number of hens; two's also pretty doable. I wouldn't go higher unless you're free-ranging (free-ranging birds are less hard on each other. Also, more roosters looking out for predators are a boon.)

You generally get rid of cockerels by posting on craigslist, putting up an ad at the local feed store, seeing if there's a local poultry swap, or eating them (you won't get much meat off a Leghorn, but they're definitely edible.)

Do you want roosters? Got neighbours that wouldn't mind them? Young children hanging around or likely to be hanging around?

I always say this, but for a young, first-time flock, I'd rather bring in an older rooster than raise cockerels with the flock. Cockerels are rude, hormonal things, and they mature faster than the pullets. Since chickens have no sense of morality, this can lead to some unpleasant situations—especially if you have a lot of young cockerels.

A good mature rooster from a multi-generational flock will only be interested in adult hens. He'll also have been taught manners by the older chickens, and you'll be able to get information on how he treats the hens. You can also avoid people-aggressive roosters that way.