Rooster to Hen Ratio

[monkeyqueen]

Hi, everyone! started my first flock on July 4, really enjoy my backyard feather babies. I have 3 RIR somewhere about 12-18 months, 1 black I have no idea what she is or age, 2 americanas, 1 rock, and 1 chochin all 3 months and 1 black someething another rooster somewhere about 12 months. Laying has been a problem with only about a dozen eggs total from the older girls, younger haven't started to lay yet. I have been given all kinds of theories, stress from move, weather, too old, not right diet, etc. Yesterday 2 different farmers told me I need another rooster to make my girls lay. Said they would compete and show off for him as they weren't interested in the one I have. Just to be sure rooster #2 is younger. I thought the ratio was 5-10 hens per rooster. Seems the more I learn the less I know.

 

[angel8035]

Roosters have nothing to do with laying. Is it possible they are laying their eggs outside somewhere where you don't see them? Also, 12-18 months is around the time of first molt when they will take off a few months of laying. Unfortunately, you probably just have to wait until they are ready to lay as long as you have the conditions right. A lot of people get frustrated having to wait, but just remember that these are living animals not machines. With that many girls, you should get a lot of eggs soon. Good luck.

 

[whitt910]

Roosters have nothing to do with laying. Is it possible they are laying their eggs outside somewhere where you don't see them? Also, 12-18 months is around the time of first molt when they will take off a few months of laying. Unfortunately, you probably just have to wait until they are ready to lay as long as you have the conditions right. A lot of people get frustrated having to wait, but just remember that these are living animals not machines. With that many girls, you should get a lot of eggs soon. Good luck.

Agreed!

I have 26 chickens total, 3 roo's (2 buff orpingtons, 1 RIR), 8 BR, 8 RIR, 10 BO... But i agree that roosters don't really have anything to with their laying.