Rooster to hen ratio

[Cornercottagechickens]

Hey, ya'll. New to chickens and am just beginning the whole backyard setup. Coop will be here this week. I want to order chicks now, but am worried about winter coming on before they'll be grown/strong enough to weather the weather. Advice and suggestions are welcome. My main reason for this post is that I want a small setup and would like to get one rooster and two hens. However, I just read an article that said five hens to one rooster. Is this a bad idea?

 

[21hens-incharge]

With just 2 hens they will be overbred by the male. I am sorry.

Overbreeding leads to bare backs, injuries and possible death.

Since you are just starting out how about just having 3 hens?

Depending on what part of the world you are in and how early winter hits there is still time.
Here in Northern Colorado I have brought in chicks as late as September with no one dying.

 

[GlicksChicks]

I have bought chicks in September as well, I am in Texas, and they had no struggle with the winter.

 

[Cornercottagechickens]

With just 2 hens they will be overbred by the male. I am sorry.

Overbreeding leads to bare backs, injuries and possible death.

Since you are just starting out how about just having 3 hens?

Depending on what part of the world you are in and how early winter hits there is still time.
Here in Northern Colorado I have brought in chicks as late as September with no one dying.

Three hens was my original intent, but I got a little excited about having a beautiful rooster lol. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'll keep with my original idea of three hens and decide later if I want to expand. I live in a small subdivision, so space is limited. I have a tractor coop (arrives this week) so there's not enough room for more than three, I think.

 

[Mrs. K]

I recommend just hens the first year. See if you like the hobby, get some experience.

I always rather dread when people say the coop will be here...how big is it. Too small of space causes a lot of problems with behavior, and roosters even need more space.

Could it work, 2 hens and roosters? Maybe, but probably not.

Mrs k

 

[21hens-incharge]

Hearing you are in a small subdivision means neighbors close by.
If you have an HOA there are likely more restrictions than just the city codes and ordinances to contend with.

Rooster + subdivision (usually)= issues with neighbors and trying to quickly find a rooster a new home.

 

[Cornercottagechickens]

I recommend just hens the first year. See if you like the hobby, get some experience.

I always rather dread when people say the coop will be here...how big is it. Too small of space causes a lot of problems with behavior, and roosters even need more space.

Could it work, 2 hens and roosters? Maybe, but probably not.

Mrs k

Thanks, Mrs. K. I don't want to stress them, hens or rooster, so I'm back to planning 3 hens. Honestly, I would get just 2, but I want Orpingtons and that means I will be ordering them online. If it works out that I can add a few more, then I'll consider a rooster in the mix.

 

[Cornercottagechickens]

Hearing you are in a small subdivision means neighbors close by.
If you have an HOA there are likely more restrictions than just the city codes and ordinances to contend with.

Rooster + subdivision (usually)= issues with neighbors and trying to quickly find a rooster a new home.

Thanks, 21hens. I'm in a rural county, outside a very small town so restrictions are not a concern. But, I prefer to remain a good neighbor, so that's good advice about the crowing.

 

[Cornercottagechickens]

I have bought chicks in September as well, I am in Texas, and they had no struggle with the winter.

Thanks, Glicks!! I’m glad you caught that question. I may go ahead with ordering now then. I’m waiting for coop to arrive so I can assess.

 

[Cornercottagechickens]

With just 2 hens they will be overbred by the male. I am sorry.

Overbreeding leads to bare backs, injuries and possible death.

Since you are just starting out how about just having 3 hens?

Depending on what part of the world you are in and how early winter hits there is still time.
Here in Northern Colorado I have brought in chicks as late as September with no one dying.

I’m in Alabama. I think our winters are mild compared to yours. Thanks, 21hens!