rooster to hen ratio

[uniqueusernamehere2021]

hi all. So I've briefly read the rooster to hen ratio should be 1:10. Well I have 3 roosters (less than a year old) to 6 hens (4 of which are less than a year old, the other 2 are two years old) So what techniques should I try to mitigate overbreeding and aggressive behavior before it occurs?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Get more hens, get fewer males, or separate the flock.

I do not follow that rule at all. My biggest ratio is probably 1:7 with 2 males and I think 14 females (or something close to that number.) Everything else is lower, but I also keep an eye on everyone and the groups with more than 1 male all have more than 2 each, as well as a clearly defined flock master and subordinate males

 

[U_Stormcrow]

The 1:10 ratio is for breeding efficiency. It has nothing to do with behavior.

More hens. Fewer males. Separation. Those are your options.

Note further that you may, even with "proper" ratios (which, again, have nothing to do with behavior) still end up with an overly aggressive Roo. Culling that Roo will alter flock dynamics, and previously docile Roos may become more aggressive in the previously dominant Roo's absence. No guarantees, just trends and probabilities. Every so often, you have to discard half your hand and hope.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

And to the op, know that Culling does not have to mean kill. It can also be removal through a new pen or a new owner

 

[MysteryChicken]

I don't follow that ratio either. I have 3 roosters, to 11 hens in my Standard/project coop. There's also 2 cockerels that are getting butchered, & 2 pullets which are staying.

My Mixed flock is abit more wonky, but I'm removing a rooster this year. Still trying to rehome an extra cockerel, & a Silkie rooster(My Sister doesn't want to eat her silkie)

Bantam coop is pretty much even with males, & females. Soon we'll be removing most of the Bantams(Keeping only a select few), this coop will be for silkies primarily.