Too many cockerels??

[OzarkChooks]

I have 20 pullets of various ages and 5 cockerels of various ages. The oldest cockerel is about 9 months old. He is alpha. The second oldest is just about 5 months. The others are too young for puberty. My question is: too many? Are there going to be problems? They free range on over an acre and so far no problems. I am curious though because the 5 month old, Jove, is trying to mate with pullets but the oldest one shuts him down at every turn. Is 5 too many?

 

[DobieLover]

I have 20 pullets of various ages and 5 cockerels of various ages. The oldest cockerel is about 9 months old. He is alpha. The second oldest is just about 5 months. The others are too young for puberty. My question is: too many? Are there going to be problems? They free range on over an acre and so far no problems. I am curious though because the 5 month old, Jove, is trying to mate with pullets but the oldest one shuts him down at every turn. Is 5 too many?

More than likely, yes. If you separate them into different coop and let the pullets/hens choose their male, it could work but most people are not set up that way.

 

[ChickenLeg]

As long ad they arent fighting to the extent if a bloody mess then I wouldnt worry

 

[OzarkChooks]

Some are the alpha cockerel's chicks. He seems protective of them, but that could change once they hit 4/5 months. What do you guys do with extra cockerels? Sell them? Give them away? Eat them?

 

[sourland]

As the cockerels mature and start mating the hens, chaos may start. I would have a 'Plan B' in mind. Sell, give away, eat - all are viable options.

 

[ChickenLeg]

I just give mine away so I dont have to keep feeding them, sometimes hard to sell extra boys. I usta eat them but that became too much work lol

 

[JacinLarkwell]

If they have plenty of space, it might work. But it might not

 

[Mrs. K]

Get a plan B, set up and ready to go. A way to separate fighting birds, (a long handled fish net will work. A sweatshirt and leather gloves will too) And some type of cage or coop to separate them. (a small dog crate). If you don't need it, that is good, and if you do need it, you tend to need it NOW.

Mrs K

 

[aart]

Some are the alpha cockerel's chicks. He seems protective of them, but that could change once they hit 4/5 months. What do you guys do with extra cockerels? Sell them? Give them away? Eat them?

It sure will. He doesn't know they're his offspring, they are just not mature.
I eat mine most the time.

 

[OzarkChooks]

Probably better to downsize now while they are small and no one is fighting. My husband has been wanting to eat them from the beginning