Rooster to hen ratio

[WalkingOnSunshine]

The basic rule of thumb is one rooster per 10 hens. If you're doing a special breeding project, then you can go down to one rooster per 5-6 hens, but watch them for over breeding. This isn't just my opinion, but the opinions of many people.

If you only have two hens for one rooster, then you really have to watch the stress levels, and the amount of feathers on their backs.

 

[HackleAndSickle]

If you have a small space it should be 1 rooster to every 9-10 hens. If you have a large space like a free-range farm it can be 1 for every 4-6. Hens getting bald backs usually only happens if they can't get away, like in a small yard.