Three Roosters?

[Dominique King]

I currently have 23 hens and 2 roosters. I am going to be getting 12 chicks this May and that would equal 35 hens! Soooo would another roo be a good idea? This spring and summer and fall I am planing on letting my flock roam. I have a yard for them for when they can’t be out. So would 3 roos be the best option?

 

[DemeterAD9]

It is doable especially if you let them free range but it is not necessary to have 3 unless you want another. You’ll just have to hope the 3 Roos can work it out together. Might have to get a couple cockerels raised up within the current flock for your best shot at getting a good one.

I currently have 2 roos with 19 hens and they all free range. When I hatch eggs and raise chicks this spring then sort through everyone, I will likely have about 25-30 birds and one of the 2 roos I am looking to replace with a youngster. That means I’ll be keeping a few cockerels in hopes one turns out decent enough, hopefully the whole cockerel puberty thing goes better now that I have some adult birds to keep them in line!

 

[GirlsHuntToo]

In general for most roosters, 10 - 12 hens to 1 rooster. When you get these hens you will have enough hens for the amount of roosters you want. 2 will protect the hens just fine, but if you want 3 it's doable.

 

[Logar]

I currently have 23 hens and 2 roosters. I am going to be getting 12 chicks this May and that would equal 35 hens! Soooo would another roo be a good idea? This spring and summer and fall I am planing on letting my flock roam. I have a yard for them for when they can’t be out. So would 3 roos be the best option?

chances are you are going to end up with a cockerel out of those 12 chicks. but if you don't I still wouldn't. 2 is more than enough. what do you want another one for in the first place?

 

[aart]

I currently have 23 hens and 2 roosters. I am going to be getting 12 chicks this May and that would equal 35 hens! Soooo would another roo be a good idea?

Probably not.

This spring and summer and fall I am planing on letting my flock roam. I have a yard for them for when they can’t be out. So would 3 roos be the best option?

How big is this 'yard'?

What is your goal/reason for having males?

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.

 

[Dominique King]

chances are you are going to end up with a cockerel out of those 12 chicks. but if you don't I still wouldn't. 2 is more than enough. what do you want another one for in the first place?

For better breeding purposes.

 

[Dominique King]

Probably not.

How big is this 'yard'?

What is your goal/reason for having males?

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.

I am wanting a better ratio as well as a lower chance of inbreeding if that makes sense.

 

[Dominique King]

The yard has an uneven amount of yardage. My father built it. The main yard part is 16’ x 8’ the extension part is more like 20’ x 8’ we also have logs and old tires in it as well for them to jump on and be entertained with and to find bugs underneath.

 

[Dominique King]

They also have underneath the coop to go as well.

 

[Dominique King]

I also want them for protection purposes. My current roos are a mix. Marvin is a Jersey Giant x Barred Rock and is very mellow. Rusty is a Jersey Giant x RIR mix and is kinda flighty but when you have him in your arms he stays still.

Rusty

Marvin

Rusty is the alpha tho.