Thinking of getting Rooster

[KingPenda]

So I have 6 hens that are about 4–5 weeks old. 2 RI Red 2 Barred rocks 2 Wyandettes. Was thinking of getting a rooster once they are little older mainly to help them with any predators. Mainly when it comes to aerial ones. I was thinking of getting one off from someone local cause people are always looking for homes for them cause they end up with more than they want/need. My town allows up to 24 hens but rooster with special permit, however pretty much all my neighbors have roosters. I got like 12 people in my neighborhood and about 40% of them have chickens

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

You might need more hens. I think a ratio of 8:1 is recommended. I have never gotten to keep any of my cockerels but I finally got one and he is being raised by two older hens then he has pullets his own age. You might consider getting chicks and then once they are big enough to integrate the hens will help teach the little cockerel manners. So far it is working for me but my cockerel is only about 9 weeks.

 

[KingPenda]

You might need more hens. I think a ratio of 8:1 is recommended. I have never gotten to keep any of my cockerels but I finally got one and he is being raised by two older hens then he has pullets his own age. You might consider getting chicks and then once they are big enough to integrate the hens will help teach the little cockerel manners. So far it is working for me but my cockerel is only about 9 weeks.

I am going to let them free range at one point and I have been getting my Great Pyrenees used to them so they see them as something to protect and not chase

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I am going to let them free range at one point and I have been getting my Great Pyrenees used to them so they see them as something to protect and not chase

Are the hens you have now free ranging?

 

[KingPenda]

Are the hens you have now free ranging?

Not right now they just got moved into the coop. They going to stay there for little longer so they know this is home and safe. Plus I waiting for a better run to come
In the mail that would be easier for me to walk into then the one I built. They will be allow to free range when either the dogs or me are out there. But the free range would just be in the fenced in yard so they still got a barrier

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Good idea. Do you have a lot of cover in your yard for them?

 

[KingPenda]

Good idea. Do you have a lot of cover in your yard for them?

Yeah so there is part of of deck that goes to walk out basement was going to make it kinda like a sanctuary and shaded area for them and the dogs. Going to have this thing attached to the coop so when I am not there to supervise or the dogs they have this area to be safe under

 

[Mrs. K]

Do not add a rooster until your girls are laying. Look for a year old rooster that was raised in a multi- generational flock in similar country and predators as you. One that is so nice that he didn’t get culled by someone who would have culled him if he wasn’t.

Note: if you have children under the age of 6, and they will share the yard with chickens do not get a rooster. They tend to attack children first, and normal childish play can agitate them. Young children can take an attack in the head and face.

Mrs. K

 

[BigBlueHen53]

^^^ Words of wisdom!