Separating Hens from Roosters

[Matilda Belle]

I currently have a flock of 10 silkies, with 4 confirmed roosters and likely a 5th (waiting for a crow). I believe the rest are hens. Right now they all get along for the most part. Their ages range from 2-4 months.

Would it be a good idea to have a plan to separate my roosters from hens prior to snow falling? I have a new addition to my coop to accommodate this but still need to build a separate run.

I feel like their are some real connections between some of my roosters and hens and would hate to separate if I don't have to.

Thoughts?

 

[AlleysChicks]

Too many boys for the girls. Even if silkies are a gentle breed the Roos will still over breed the girls. I’d go ahead and finish that run so the boys can be separated. If you are wanting chicks in the spring I’d pick the best looking boy from the group and add him when your girls are mature.

 

[Buffbrahmasforever]

I would separate all but one of the Roosters. One can be kept just fine with them.

 

[Matilda Belle]

Ok. I just don't want them to be sad. Some cry when they're apart from each other.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I feel like their are some real connections between some of my roosters and hens and would hate to separate if I don't have

Those dynamics will definitely change as the birds mature. I would select one to keep with your pullets and separate the others. They will adjust! Good luck!

 

[Matilda Belle]

Good to know. Thanks!

 

[aart]

Thoughts?

First off....they are pullets and cockerels (see below) and once those boys mature a bit and the hormones start flowing you may be very 'sad' to see how they will harass and possible injure the pullets.

Get that run built and be ready to separate the males.
What are your long term plans for keeping these birds?
While they are cute and cuddly little things now, it can get mighty ugly when biology(sexual maturity and gender balance) rears it's inevitable head.

FYI.....semantics, maybe, but can be important communication terms when discussing chicken behavior.
Female chickens are called pullets until one year of age, then they are called hens.
Male chickens are called cockerels until one year of age, then they are called cocks(or cockbirds or roosters).
Age in weeks or months is always a good thing to note.

 

[Trux]

Cockerels are like teenage boys with raging testosterone, they will cause havoc among the girls. Separating them would be best, and it will give you time to observe them and figure out which one or two you want to keep.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'm petty much going to just repeat what others said. You can try to leave them all together and see what happens for yourself and make your decisions based on your observations. I like for people to experiment and think for themselves. It might even possibly work out. But I think it is absolutely essential that you get that run finished so you can react immediately if you need to. To me the odds are tremendously high you will need it. And when you need it, you will need it NOW!

 

[Matilda Belle]

Great advice. I'll definitely get things squared away before winter.

@aart What do you mean by "long term" plans?