The luck of the draw

[oregonkat]

Well, well such a familiar story. I incubated 12 Black Copper Marans eggs last summer. 9 hatched and 8 were roosters. The one hen that I have from this hatch is absolutely gorgeous and has become my treasure. The roos were rehomed, all but one, and I am hoping to hatch some of my hens eggs with this roo. You just never know, right?

 

[Toothpick]

@Toothpick, do you let both of your flocks out to forage together? If you do, you may be able to merge your flocks by placing the younger birds in the red coop at night.

The younger birds are the ones already in the red coop. I don't let any out, but some jump out on their own. They stay away from each other while out though.

In the spring I'm going to expand the run attached to the red coop and enclose it. Once I get that done I'll attempt to integrate the old birds in the red coop.

 

[SA&P]

Thank you for sharing your story.
I was given 11 Silkie eggs last year. 7 hatched (the Magnificent Seven)
Five (!!!) roosters and only two hens
I gave four roosters away a fortnight ago so I’m left with what I thought was a desired trio.....however, I’m reading a few posts that recommend 10 hens - 1 rooster.
As we’re busy at work can I get away with three at this time?
I also worry about introducing other birds to my flock as I’m reading up on diseases and fighting within the coop

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

The 1 rooster to 10 hens ratio is used by hatcheries for the best fertility. Many people keep pairs, trios, or quartets of chickens with no problems. It depends on the rooster. Some can cover 10 hens while others may need 15-20 hens to prevent over mating.

 

[SA&P]

Thanks, Brahma Chicken5000

 

[Smuvers Farm]

Two words. Freezer Camp.

 

[bobbi-j]

I've got two runs already. I don't want to manage a 3rd. I figure they can keep the yard free from bugs.

Or feed the local wildlife... Those boys would be in the freezer if they were mine.

You can easily integrate your 2 current flocks and then you’ll have an open coop, but ultimately the decision is up to you.

Not necessarily if there is a rooster in each coop/run. It does help if they are allowed to free range together, but there are no guarantees.

 

[Toothpick]

Or feed the local wildlife... Those boys would be in the freezer if they were mine.

I always heard they were only tasty if they were young. Once they are grown they are no good to eat. My grandpa and mother used to butcher chickens when I was a kid. I’m to lazy. My nieces and nephews have been chasing them around. Gave them names - Steve, Micheal Jordan, Cluck-a-luck-a, Steve 2. Can’t remember the other 2 names.

 

[bobbi-j]

I always heard they were only tasty if they were young. Once they are grown they are no good to eat. My grandpa and mother used to butcher chickens when I was a kid. I’m to lazy. My nieces and nephews have been chasing them around. Gave them names - Steve, Micheal Jordan, Cluck-a-luck-a, Steve 2. Can’t remember the other 2 names.

In my opinion, they taste much better when they're older. you just have to cook them differently. Low and slow or pressure cook. Personally, I think it's kinder for the bird to be killed swiftly and humanely than turned loose to be eaten alive and die in terror.

 

[Toothpick]

Yeah I agree. But I’m not going to butcher them. And I’m not going to keep them pinned up to avoid a situation that may never happen.