[RobH]

Morning all, is there a minimum ratio for 1 cock to hens? I current have one cock to 3 hens. One of the hens is from the same hatch as the cock and receives little attention from the cock (they are both full size birds). The other 2, who are 12 months older and bantams seem to get all the attention (so to speak). I was thinking of getting another couple of full size birds for him to 'play with'. Any thoughts?

[Casey76]

It really depends   Maximum fertility is achieved with one cock to 2 or 3 hens.  Buy one boy can ook after about 6 hens before he starts to run a bit ragged trying to give al his girls "attention".

I currently have 3 cockerals running with 11 hens/pullets in a mixed pen wothout any problems

[joyfull]

The trouble is some can choose a hen as their favourite and this poor girl ends up very threadbare and injured. As I am not so bothered about breeding I have a high ratio of hens to cockerels and everybody seems happy with this 

[RobH]

I’m not bothered about breading either, if fact the only reason the cock is still with us is because my Mrs is a softie! I assume it’s not a problem have a  mix of bantams and standard size birds other then it being a bit more stressful for the bantam hen? I think another couple of full size pullets should help.