Will Bantam Cochin roosters kill other roosters?

[LeezyBeezy]

First let me say that I am new to chickens, so please be patient and kind!

I have placed an order for 10 Arauncana females, and 10 mixed cochin bantams and 6 mixed white crested black polish. This order will arrive in May. I realize that the mixed runs will produce some roosters, but I thought that would be OK, and that there would be a dominant rooster and some bachelor groups. My friend, whom I communicate via FB, has lots of experience with chickens- meat and layers. He wrote me that the bantam roosters will more than likely kill the other roosters. Ack- that's not what I want at all! I chose the bantams because their breed description stated they were docile- and I have a 4 and 6 year at home that I thought would enjoy being able to be near the chickens. I thought the crested birds would just be fun to have.

Now I am stumped. I don't know if I can change the order, but am thinking I might be able to, due to the number of weeks until they are due to arrive. Should I just get females? Do I need roosters? I would like to have confident hens, who will be allowed outside to free range when I am home (we have 12 acres). Any advice would be appreciated. thanks!

 

[bumpershoot]

I had several Bantam roosters in last springs Bantam Cochin mix. Never a problem. I did harvest them in the fall, so they didn't stick around to be adults, but they were very sweet.

 

[Break an Egg]

I can't guarantee anything, but I never heard of bantam roos being more agressive. In my experience, bantam cochins roos are cool little dudes.

I would definately have a rooster if I could because they watch over the hens. You will know if there are problems with roos being agressive to one another before anything gets killed, plus sounds like you have plenty of land, the more space the less conflict from what I've seen.

 

[LeezyBeezy]

(((SIGH))) thanks so much. I'm sitting here, panicking, trying to decide what to do!! And you're right, we have plenty of space. Plus, if some particular one becomes a problem, I am sure the local fox would like a snack! I look forward to learning more and reading all of your posts! - Lee

 

[Turner]

Large and small roosters all have different personalities and some will get along and others not. I would keep and eye on the Polish...sometimes with a mixed flock they will get picked on even if they grew up together.

 

[Kajunbanty]

I have nothing but Bantam roos, right now I have 4 in my coop and they all was getting along fine till about a month ago. I have 1 Golden Wyandotte that has taken a huge dislike for my Old English Dutch roo. I had some Cochin roos when I first got started and they where the least agressive of all the roos I have had. I think they will get along fine , you might get one that decides he doesn't like another then you may have to decide who goes and who stays. Right now I am keeping all 4 of mine I just have the Golden in time out.lol

 

[LeezyBeezy]

I understand that different breeds may interact differently, but is there a good rule of thumb of the ratio of hens to roosters? I think if it became a problem, I could split the flock. We have enough room, plus the previous owners left a portable coop too.

 

[Break an Egg]

1 roo to every 8-10 hens

 

[95yj]

i'v heard of banty roosters thinking their alot bigger than they are and having an aggressive attitude to go with it, but i'v got alot more roosters and cockerels than hens since they do better in shows and mine are wikid friendly and nice to the hens. I'v got 3 roosters with 1 hen and they don't fight and treat the hen very kindly.

 

[95yj]

Quote:
i'm running 3:1, roosters to hen right now in one of my pens, no visible damage to the hen and no fighting among the males, it really, really, really depends on the birds.