We adopted Jackson the rooster this summer after I nearly had to punch a hawk from flying away with one of our hens. When he arrived he immediately started looking out for predators, finding treats for the girls, and doing what roos do. Which is when we realized that we definitely needed more hens. In the chicken world there’s an ideal ratio of one rooster to about 10 hens to prevent the girls from becoming overbred, which is as awful as it sounds. We were real novices when it came to having a flock with a rooster and now that spring is approaching we’re getting ready to right our wrongs and bring more girls on the homestead.⁠
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The current project is finding companion breeds for our Black Australorps, and we’re trying not to get carried away dreaming about all the exotic breeds available. Chickens can come in all shapes, colors, and sizes and while I would love a gorgeous all-black Ayam Cemani or a fluffy little Silkie, I think we’ll end up with some more practical layers. No matter the breed, I can’t wait for spring and more of the adventure raising backyard chickens has become.⁠