Managing hens and rooster(s) - Ask Extension
TWIMC;
If I wanted to keep a bunch of hens for both egg production sales (primary) and new chicks, is there a way to manage that with a rooster? Pe...
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Managing hens and rooster(s) #815868
Asked November 04, 2022, 11:32 AM EDT
TWIMC;
If I wanted to keep a bunch of hens for both egg production sales (primary) and new chicks, is there a way to manage that with a rooster? Periods of together and separate and also maintain healthy and happiness?
Seminole County Oklahoma
Expert Response
Leave the rooster(s) with the hens constantly. Virtually all the eggs will be fertile but there won't be the stress of moving the rooster in and out of the pen. Maintain a ratio of 1 rooster to 10 to 12 hens. With extra roosters, they will fight and the hens may get a little "beat up" with to few roosters, the eggs will have lower fertility
