valper
In the Brooder
I have a flock of 12 laying hens and 5 pullets, 1 mature rooster and 4 cockerels.
The young ones are 20 weeks old and should soon start reaching maturity. I would like to keep all of the roosters since they free range most of the time but due to local ordinances, all chickens must be held indoors for some time. I worry that when kept in their coop and run they'll begin fighting as they approach maturity. As it is now, my main rooster is taking manic laps trying to get all the girls. Would his impulses ease up a little with more roosters around or could it escalate?
In your experiences, what is a good ratio of roosters to hens that works? I'd hate to have to "get rid" of any of them but I want my flock to be as happy as possible.
The young ones are 20 weeks old and should soon start reaching maturity. I would like to keep all of the roosters since they free range most of the time but due to local ordinances, all chickens must be held indoors for some time. I worry that when kept in their coop and run they'll begin fighting as they approach maturity. As it is now, my main rooster is taking manic laps trying to get all the girls. Would his impulses ease up a little with more roosters around or could it escalate?
In your experiences, what is a good ratio of roosters to hens that works? I'd hate to have to "get rid" of any of them but I want my flock to be as happy as possible.