We have 14 hens and 4 roosters.

[Chicken lake lady]

One of the hens either stays in the nesting box all day or stands in the corner with her head down all day. A couple of the young roosters just stand in the corner with their heads down also. Are they sick ?? Or scared ??

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Either they are sick or the dominant roosters are terrorizing them. How much space do they have ? Are they penned or free ranged ?

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. Here are some helpful links:

• Great go-to resource - Articles
• Space requirements
• How to start a new thread
• Find other BYC members nearby using the links in my signature, below (turn your phone to landscape to see them).

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[Chicken lake lady]

Welcome to BYC. Either they are sick or the dominant roosters are terrorizing them. How much space do they have ? Are they penned or free ranged ?

Thank you for your quick response. They are penned in a 12 by 12 pen and it is attached to a 12 by 12 coop that is always available to go in or out of. I believe it is one particular Rooster that is a big bully. My husband I have had a conversation as to how many roosters there should be with the hens. Your opinion ? Lol

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Welcome to BYC. The general rule of thumb is 10 hens per 1 rooster.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
I would remove all but the gentlest male.

 

[Chicken lake lady]

Do we really need a rooster ??????

 

[Chicken lake lady]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
I would remove all but the gentlest male.

Do we really need a rooster ?????

 

[Tesumph]

Do we really need a rooster ?????

Absolutely not! The only reason you'd need a rooster is for fertilized eggs.

 

[DobieLover]

Do we really need a rooster ?????

Not at all.
I happen to love having them in my flock.