Making a rooster coop?

[Raptor-tooth]

Hello! We got 9 pullets in the spring... then found out we had 7 pullets and 2 cockerels.

With the possibility of getting a third rooster specifically for breeding some time soon (this was planned from the beginning but we thought we had no roosters at the time), and not nearly enough hens or space to keep three roosters happy within the flock, we've been thinking of separating the two boys out into their own coop.

(and please don't suggest getting rid of either of them. They are incredibly sweet to people and are pretty much our little pet silkie roos)

I was wondering if there are any special requirements for taking care of three roos in our little bachelor pad we will be building here soon.

Do they need to be out of sight or far away from the hens to avoid fighting or can the two coops be fairly close?

We have one rooster that is preventing our other one from getting enough food and has been picked on to the point of having a bunch of little scabs on his comb. Do you think that separating the two of them into their own coop will worsen the issue or make it better for him since there will be no hens?

Really, I'm just looking for some advice and answers from someone who has done a rooster coop before. What worked for you and was there anything special you had to do to keep everyone happy and healthy?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I've had rooster flocks several times. It usually goes pretty well. They aren't completely isolated and out of sight of the hens but no interaction.
I've never raised silkies myself but they should be just as easy.
Any time you have a bird being kept from food and water, you need more food and water stations.

 

[Shamo Hybrid]

If they are all getting along for the most part, I wouldn't separate them. Maybe after separation and then having to re-introduce again can even cause more problems as they are trying to figure out the pecking order once again.

 

[sourland]

Rooster flocks can work, but since the one has asserted dominance to the point that the other is not allowed to eat or drink it may become worse on a one to one basis. Give it a try, but have a plan B in mind.

 

[HuskerHens18]

My Rooster Flock works amazing. They are right by the hen coop and they don't even care. I feed them Flock Raiser feed since it's cheaper and no reason for them to have layer feed.

There are occasional sparring matches, they've never got to the point of blood though. I still break them up if I'm standing there.

 

[lazy gardener]

What Sour says. It may be possible that when you move the boys out of the general flock, they will play nice together... or not. All you can do is try it. Is there a reason why you now feel that you need to go through with getting the 3rd roo, when you already have 2? Wouldn't either of these 2 be adequate as breeders, or do you have specific genetic goals in mind???

 

[LulaLars]

My Rooster Flock works amazing. They are right by the hen coop and they don't even care. I feed them Flock Raiser feed since it's cheaper and no reason for them to have layer feed.

There are occasional sparring matches, they've never got to the point of blood though. I still break them up if I'm standing there.

Wondering if you can help me. I have a rooster with hens currently. There are 5 baby roos who haven't started crowing yet (7 weeks old) that I would like to move in with the rooster and move the hens to my other coop. Just have a bachelor pad for the roos. When do you suggest integrating them. The babies have gone in by the older rooster when they were younger with no issues, but not sure how they will be now. Would it be best to put them in there while they are still young, or wait until they are bigger so they can defend themselves if necessary. They are Jersey Giant crossbreed so they are big babies. I want a smooth happy transition! I know I'm a dreamer, haha. Thank you for any help.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

That is a 'play it by ear' situation. It may be better while they are young but if it doesn't work out, you'll have to wait till they are like sizes.
I once had a young rooster by himself and he adopted a bunch of chicks and cared for them so you just never know what will happen. There are no hard and fast rules.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Unless they're just a mean bird period, mine seem to be fine just with a barrier. They see lots of hens free ranging, bit can't get to them. But my oldest in the pen is from April, so they're kinda young still

 

[Mrs. K]

IMO - roosters take more room than hens. So do build an adequate coop/run. And cross your fingers.