To many roosters?

[OPIE]

Howdy, I am just getting started with my Buff Orphington chicks, I received them on April 1st. I had 21. (key word there is HAD) 16 pullets and 5 cockrels. Thanks to one of my over eager english mastiff's who thinks everything that moves wants to play I now have 4 roosters and 10 hens. I would like to get my hens back up to around 20, but should I thin out my roosters? I think I only need one, but I am not sure. Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[Nuggetsowner:)]

I seem to remember that the proper ratio is 1 rooster to 10 hens. That would mean you would have to get rid of some roos but if I am wrong I am sure someone will correct me

 

[Chirpy]

I believe the general rule of thumb is one Roo for 10 - 12 hens. If you had 20 hens you could have 2 Roos ... if they got along with each other. If you don't need fertile eggs you really only need one Roo even with 20 hens.

 

[Nuggetsowner:)]

If you don't want fertile eggs you don't need any roosters!!

 

[OPIE]

I would like to try and hatch some chicks from eggs, I have my mothers old incubator to do it with. I would like to replenish my lost with the ones I have.

 

[Chirpy]

nuggetsowner wrote:

If you don't want fertile eggs you don't need any roosters!!

That's totally true ... I was thinking in terms of having a Roo around to keep the flock together, the girls in-line and protect his girls.​

 

[auskittle]

Nuggetsowner :

I seem to remember that the proper ratio is 1 rooster to 10 hens. That would mean you would have to get rid of some roos but if I am wrong I am sure someone will correct me

i'm not sure, but i thought it was 1 roo to 8 hens.​