2 roosters and 4 hens

[Cathy L]

I have 16 week old chickens that I have raised from 2 days old. I now find out two are roosters and four are hens. the two roosters used to bump chests and stare down at each other but they haven't done that now for a while they seem to be getting along, one rooster is definitely the alpha(and the best at taking care of the hens). they do take care of the hens but sometimes they grab them by the neck but has not tried 2 mate with them yet. My concern is having two roosters and only four hens. I'd hate to have to give up one of the roosters but I don't want them to be rough on the hens. The alpha rooster now leaves me alone after he tried to bite me several times and I caught him and held him down as I read to do. At 1st I tried to pick him up and pet him, but he continued to do his dance by me and tried to bite me. He has also flew at my grandkids. I don't know what to do. You get so attached to them. He is the better rooster, but not the nicest to us humans. Should I return them both(or just 1 ,and which one) to the hatchery so they can regime them(can do so before age 20 weeks) or try to keep them al together. HELP.

 

[chickenlittle21]

If you return them to the hatchery they will likely butcher them. The alpha rooster sounds agressive. If I were you I would rehome the agressive alpha rooster and keep the other one.

 

[The Happster]

they grab them by the neck but has not tried 2 mate with them yet.

That is them trying to mate.

The one pecking you - not really on.
I understand you're attached to them. If you aren't willing to take them back or re-home, or kill them, consider separating one or both, so they don't damage the pullets. Two cockerels with four pullets, at this age, not very nice.

 

[chickenlittle21]

You could also by more pullets (like 10 more) and you could keep both your roosters.

 

[aart]

Should I return them both(or just 1 ,and which one) to the hatchery so they can regime them(can do so before age 20 weeks) or try to keep them al together.

Will the hatchery actually take them back?
If they will, by all means give them both back.

He has also flew at my grandkids.

That would be the clincher for me.
Get rid of the males and you chicken keeping experience will be much better in the long run.

 

[CHlCKEN]

I have 16 week old chickens that I have raised from 2 days old. I now find out two are roosters and four are hens. the two roosters used to bump chests and stare down at each other but they haven't done that now for a while they seem to be getting along, one rooster is definitely the alpha(and the best at taking care of the hens). they do take care of the hens but sometimes they grab them by the neck but has not tried 2 mate with them yet. My concern is having two roosters and only four hens. I'd hate to have to give up one of the roosters but I don't want them to be rough on the hens. The alpha rooster now leaves me alone after he tried to bite me several times and I caught him and held him down as I read to do. At 1st I tried to pick him up and pet him, but he continued to do his dance by me and tried to bite me. He has also flew at my grandkids. I don't know what to do. You get so attached to them. He is the better rooster, but not the nicest to us humans. Should I return them both(or just 1 ,and which one) to the hatchery so they can regime them(can do so before age 20 weeks) or try to keep them al together. HELP.

The best ratio is 7 hens-1 rooster, this way he doesn’t over mate with them. For bantams, it’s 8 hens- 1 rooster. You don’t have enough hens for even just one of you little men, so I recommend either getting another 3 hens or getting 10 more hens for your other Roos sake, because he will mate them in private when he gets the chance. In The end for two roosters you will need 10 more Hens, but if you want to keep just one rooster you need 3 more (this is a better idea, it will be easier for you and there will be less aggression) or you could get rid of both which all in all is the easiest option. That way you could have as little hens as you like

 

[aart]

The best ratio is....

....highly subjective, no hard number really apply.

The 'rooster' to hen ratio of 1:10 that is often cited is primarily for fertility efficiency in commercial breeding facilities.

It doesn't mean that if a cockbird has 10 hens that he won't abuse or over mate them.

Many breeders keep pairs, trios, quads, etc ....short term and/or long term.

It all depends on the temperaments of the cock and hens and sometimes housing provided.

Backyard flocks can achieve good fertility with a larger ratio.

 

[CHlCKEN]

....highly subjective, no hard number really apply.

The 'rooster' to hen ratio of 1:10 that is often cited is primarily for fertility efficiency in commercial breeding facilities.

It doesn't mean that if a cockbird has 10 hens that he won't abuse or over mate them.

Many breeders keep pairs, trios, quads, etc ....short term and/or long term.

It all depends on the temperaments of the cock and hens and sometimes housing provided.

Backyard flocks can achieve good fertility with a larger ratio.

Oh! I thought this was so he didn’t over Mate any or injur them