Can I let 2 Roos “take turns”?

[mestes0906]

I am picking up a BCM Roo for my 11 “hens” next weekend. Issue is, I just learned that one of my “hens” is a roo. He’s a mixed bird and this was not my plan. Before I take him back to the person that sold him (that was supposed to be a her) to me, I’m considering hanging on to him. He’s cool, good temperament, but I’m planning on hatching my black copper marans and I don’t have enough hens for 2 Roos.

Wondering if I create an extra space and seclude one roo then swap them every few days if this will be an issue. Not for hatching but flock behavior?

Haven’t had the best luck with my Roos the past few months and thinking it may not be a bad idea to have 2 since my flock free ranges several hours each day and I have learned their importance.

 

[Themellowyellows]

I am picking up a BCM Roo for my 11 “hens” next weekend. Issue is, I just learned that one of my “hens” is a roo. He’s a mixed bird and this was not my plan. Before I take him back to the person that sold him (that was supposed to be a her) to me, I’m considering hanging on to him. He’s cool, good temperament, but I’m planning on hatching my black copper marans and I don’t have enough hens for 2 Roos.

Wondering if I create an extra space and seclude one roo then swap them every few days if this will be an issue. Not for hatching but flock behavior?

Haven’t had the best luck with my Roos the past few months and thinking it may not be a bad idea to have 2 since my flock free ranges several hours each day and I have learned their importance.

It wont be fair to the roo you keep inclosed. Chickens like to be in a flock. Either get more hens or chose who you will be keeping.

 

[Ridgerunner]

If you plan on hatching BCM's you have to isolate the hens from the mixed rooster for 3 to 4 weeks before you collect hatching eggs. How often do you plan to swap the roosters? I don't see a good way to meet your goals as I understand them, not if you want to hatch BCM, unless you limit gathering eggs to very restricted times.
The way I see it, you have different options.

1. Return the rooster as originally planned.

2. Swap them out but time it carefully to get pure hatching eggs.

3. Don't get the BCM and make do with the mixed.

4. Alternate them more often and accept that you won't know which rooster is the father.

5. Lock up the mixed permanently.

6. Build a coop and run and split the hens between the two boys. Only let one group free range at a time.

 

[Yardmom]

For some 5 hens per roo works fine. I have larger flocks with about 1 roo for every 5 hens. This does require lots of space such as regular free ranging. If your boys don't handle that well, or you are not comfortable with those numbers, or that doesn't fit your goals I would remove one of the boys.
By the way you said you want to hatch BCM. You will need to remove the mixed roo a month or so before the BCM would be the most likely father. Taking one roo out and then putting him back in would be a huge integration challenge.

 

[mestes0906]

If you plan on hatching BCM's you have to isolate the hens from the mixed rooster for 3 to 4 weeks before you collect hatching eggs. How often do you plan to swap the roosters? I don't see a good way to meet your goals as I understand them, not if you want to hatch BCM, unless you limit gathering eggs to very restricted times.
The way I see it, you have different options.

1. Return the rooster as originally planned.

2. Swap them out but time it carefully to get pure hatching eggs.

3. Don't get the BCM and make do with the mixed.

4. Alternate them more often and accept that you won't know which rooster is the father.

5. Lock up the mixed permanently.

6. Build a coop and run and split the hens between the two boys. Only let one group free range at a time.

Very helpful! Thank you!