Two roosters, two hens

[llombardo]

The problem I see with seperating is integrating them back in. That seems to be harder then working through some pissing matches. I was originally going to put the one back in but it's not easy putting these guys together.

 

[Mrs. K]

I think we are talking at cross purposes.

• Two roosters need about 30 hens, especially juvenile roosters
• Sometimes roosters raised together will get along, but often times not
• Once roosters get aggressive toward each other, it generally will get worse and worse, especially in a typical back yard, where there is not enough room, roosters need more room
• Roosters the same age as pullets, become sexually active much sooner than pullets, they become bigger than pullets and become bullies. They are highly driven and two of them will run your pullets ragged.
• Aggressive roosters can become dangerous to people too, often attacking children first, then women, then men.

So my advice to you, if you are not on a farm, with room for 30 hens, just want a couple of birds, then cull your roosters. Advertize on Craigslist, ask at the feed store, or eat them yourself. Either just keep the two hens, or add two more hens to this.

 

[Nolagurl1956]

I would be in favor of adding two more hens, and removing the roosters....however, I am just guessing at your set up. A first year flock, all hens is a good one to start with. As to them all getting along, once the hormone become active, this can be, most generally is a wreck with two on two.

As for protection, a rooster is not worth much protection until he is a year old, not all roosters are good roosters, not all become flock masters. It would be best to separate the pullets until they begin to lay.

Mrs K. If I were to add two more hens, can they be a variety of breeds and what about age? Should they be younger and would I have to keep them separated for a while. My pen is 12x4x 8 feet high. The coop is sort of small. The birds have free run of the yard which is completely enclosed. Again, thanks for your help.

 

[BirdGirl2004]

If I were you, I would get rid of one of the roosters. If there is too many roosters than the hens could get picked on horribly! You're chickens are absolutely beautiful too!

It is so confusing...

 

[BirdGirl2004]

If I were you, I would get rid of one of the roosters. If there is too many roosters than the hens could get picked on horribly! You're chickens are absolutely beautiful too!

Thanks. I see aggressive behavior between the roos and one of them picks on the hens so I think it might be best to see if the one who seems more gentle get along with the hens. Thank you.

Yes, I think that your should get rid of one, and keep one. Roosters are very good for protecting the hens! Good luck!

 

[Frazzemrat1]

Mrs K. If I were to add two more hens, can they be a variety of breeds and what about age? Should they be younger and would I have to keep them separated for a while. My pen is 12x4x 8 feet high. The coop is sort of small. The birds have free run of the yard which is completely enclosed. Again, thanks for your help.

In a small back yard situation like what you describe, I don't feel you need the roosters at all, unless your planning to breed. That said; do what you will to get rid of the cockerels, and replace with pullets; yes they can be any breed. My flock consists of all the breeds you see below, and only two are the exact same breed/color.

 

[llombardo]

you could add a couple hens and make a complete seperate area for the roosters. There are lots of people that have all rooster docks successfully because there are no girls to argue over.

 

[Nolagurl1956]

If I were you, I would get rid of one of the roosters. If there is too many roosters than the hens could get picked on horribly! You're chickens are absolutely beautiful too!

Thanks. They are beautiful. I'll try getting rid of the more aggressive rooster and see what happens. Then if i have to, find a home for the other. I would like a few more hens. I really miss the Rhode Island Reds that i had. If i get more hens should they be the same age? If they are younger do I have to keep them separated for a while??? Thanks for your help.

 

[Nolagurl1956]

you could add a couple hens and make a complete seperate area for the roosters. There are lots of people that have all rooster docks successfully because there are no girls to argue over.

I'm not particularly interested in having roos. Somewhere I got the idea that I needed at least one for protection. ;~0

 

[aart]

I'm not particularly interested in having roos. Somewhere I got the idea that I needed at least one for protection. ;~0

Then get rid of them.....nope don't need any.