What to do with Roos?

[mylilchix]

Out of 22 chicks, we have at least 4 roos. 2 I definitely want to keep because they're sweeties. The other 2 I have a soft spot in my heart for and don't want to think about getting rid of them. Is there a way to keep 4 roos with 18 hens?

Thanks, Sonja

 

[hinkjc]

Your hens will appreciate only 1-2 roos in their coop. Much less stress for them. Love your extra little roos and find them a nice new home with a group of their own hens. Maybe you'll even get lucky enough to find them a big flock like yours, so they can go together.

Your other option (for your hen's sanity) is to build another coop for your extra boys.

Jody

 

[mylilchix]

We've got room, what size coop should I build for the extra 2? One I hate to get rid of because he's a runt and I had to dropper feed him for the first few days. I can't really bear to see him go. He's got a special place in my heart. The other 2 are so sweet, they have to stay. Roo #4 is a favorite of my ds.

Sonja

 

[TexasJoe]

yup, if you leave too many roosters around, the hens will likely have less access to food, and in return the roos will tend to get their tail feathers pulled out by the hens

Build a seperate cage or atleast section the extra roos off with chicken wire.

 

[Davaroo]

Sure, you can keep as many roos as you want. Just rotate them.
Make them a separate enclosure, a "bachelor run" where they can reside when not with the ladies. Then just bring each out to be with the girls as you see fit.
The males in the separate run will normally behave nicely, as long as they are separate from the females.

 

[mylilchix]

So how big should their bachelor pad be? We've got plenty of space around our coop for an addition. Of course hubby may not be too happy if I suggest another construction project right now.

Now that our coop is done he's got a llama shelter to build.

Sonja

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
For two roos? As big as you want - as big as possible. Couple hundred sq feet, I'd suggest.
Llamas? Oh, lucky him.