Single Rooster/cockerel coop

[Freisian]

hi
My French black copper Marans cockerel is already been overbreeding his six hens in his hormone rushed youth, I have had to get chicken saddles as three have got bare backs and two are getting bare backs, his favourite ( poor thing) despite wearing a saddle has nearly lost her tail feather.
I have had him with them since all were growers. He is from a separate line .
I do intend to breed but later in the year.
In the meantime I need to give the hens a rest and want to separate him into his own coop.
I wondered if anyone has examples of a rooster coop they use when separating out breeding roosters?
I would also be interested what those members who breed do at breeding time if they separate the rooster during the year. Do you have a sort of calendar of separate then introduce?
My previous experience with trios has been with less feisty ( but different breed) roosters so this is a new problem to me having to separate. I can’t get any more hens to dilute his attentions.

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

Well, i think the problem is, you don't have enough hens for any rooster. A good ratio is ten hens for one rooster. I would try doing that, and see if it helps. Of course, if your rooster is young, he might be a little crazy, but he should settle down.

 

[Trish1974]

Great questions! I'm going to follow along...

 

[centrarchid]

I use the following pen type even for my American Dominique cocks for about a month before putting them in breeding pens. Pens are 4' x 5' and about 5' tall. Wood frame not needed is 2 x 4 wire is like that used for concrete construction. Pens are also easy to move about.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Great questions! I'm going to follow along...

X2

 

[centrarchid]

 

[centrarchid]

This version I use now only to cover ground roosting broody hens at night. They are suitable for American Dominiques.

 

[aart]

Well, i think the problem is, you don't have enough hens for any rooster. A good ratio is ten hens for one rooster.

No.
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
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.

Of course, if your rooster is young, he might be a little crazy, but he should settle down.

Yes, young cockerels are prone to being over zealous.

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

No.
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
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.

Yes, young cockerels are prone to being over zealous.

I am completely aware of that. But it is also a good ratio for backyard flocks. Of course, it all depends on the rooster. You might need more for a particular one. Let's just put it this way, they need more hens than four for a rooster.

 

[centrarchid]

Not always more than four. I keep some of mine as pairs and the hens look ready for show. The roosters in such pair mate only when hen solicits him to do so.