Roosters

[Castleberry]

Can anyone tell me how many rooster I need for 25 is a hens

 

[Dottie the Chicken]

Try putting this in the Flock Management forum.

 

[Castleberry]

Try putting this in the Flock Management forum.

Ok just started today trying to figure this out thanks

 

[Dottie the Chicken]

Yep! Good luck!

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Thread moved to managing your flock section.

*BYC STAFF*

 

[Blw18]

My general rule of thumb is a rooster for every 8 to 10 hens. However, I’ve had multiple roos with just a few hens and I’ve also had a single rooster with 20+ hens with great fertility. Just depends on the breed, the space available, and personal preference. One rooster will be dominant no matter the amount of hens and the others will pick up the slack behind the scenes. The more space you have as well, the more roosters can get along. I hope this helps!

 

[bobbi-j]

“How many roosters?” There are a lot of variables that can come into play. Such as, will your flock be free ranged or penned? If in a coop/run situation, how much space will your birds have? Would you be raising the roosters together if you choose to have more than one?

A standard answer to the “how many roosters” question is one per 10 hens. From what I understand, the 1:10 ratio is used by the big hatcheries to ensure fertility in the eggs.

 

[Blw18]

@bobbi-j I agree. Age also has a big influence. I have a year and a half old Brahma rooster that covered 22 hens free ranging with fertility like crazy. I also have an older langshan rooster who struggles with his 7 or 8.

 

[Mrs. K]

I would vote, start with one. Get one as close to a year old as possible. Then next year, hatch out. I think father/son or son like duo's work best. It is handy to have a spare, but I would start with the least number of roosters and work into it over a couple of years.

 

[aart]

Can anyone tell me how many rooster I need for 25 is a hens

Depends on your goals.
As few as possible to meet those goals.
Curious if you have a bunck of baby roos......or.....?

The 'rooster' to hen ratio of 1:10 that is often cited is primarily for fertility efficiency in commercial breeding facilities.
It doesn't mean that if a cockbird has 10 hens that he won't abuse or over mate them.
Many breeders keep pairs, trios, quads, etc ....short term and/or long term.
It all depends on the temperaments of the cock and hens and sometimes housing provided.
Backyard flocks can achieve good fertility with a larger ratio.