The Chook Harem

[Feral007]

So I'm going to ask this question and then try to think of a title for this thread that won't make you all go

We got our 3 new chooks, the girls on sunday. They're not huge, and I was a bit worried that the cats (who help keep the rabbit population not-quite-under control) might decide that chicken could be on the menu. So we've taken a 'spare' rooster that someone had. For a bit of protection.

So the question is - how many chooks do you need to keep the rooster happy, but so the chooks don't need protection from him?

A friend has a bantam rooster and she says he's not a problem as he's small and keeps falling off Ours is not a bantam unfortunately.

So what's the Average Size of a Chook Harem?

[Glutton4...]

My Roo had around 40 'Laydees' to attend to, but still had the energy to attack me on sight. I would say at least 10 if you have the room for them (PMSL), but I'm not an eggspert.

[Feral007]

40? MG - that rooster certainly had some stamina! What did you feed it on? Just so I can be sure I don't feed ours the same thing

[petal]

A large breed cockerel (eg: australorp) seems to cope happily with 4 ladies however a pekin cockerel would probably like many more because they are sex mad little things!

[Feral007]

Hoping ours is not a pekin cross then petal!

He's very pretty, will post a piccie later today if I get a chance.

He was a bit of a pain yesterday but doesn't seem to bad today so far. I've warned him if he is too much trouble I'll lock him up until we have some more girls to keep him busy, and if he's still too much trouble he'll be the chook equivalent of Peking Duck - at someone else's house since we can't eat those we've known. Which is a d@mn shame since I don't like all the chemicals and hormones in the shop chooks you buy.