What is the ideal male-to-female ratio for optimal fertility in a flock?

The ideal male-to-female ratio for optimal fertility in a flock is commonly recognized as 1 rooster for every 8 hens. This ratio helps ensure that each hen has adequate access to a rooster for mating purposes, thus increasing the likelihood of successful fertilization. If there are too many hens for each rooster, some hens may not be mated frequently enough, which can lead to a decline in fertility rates.

Maintaining this ratio allows for the rooster to effectively cover the flock, as each rooster can successfully mate with a limited number of hens without becoming overwhelmed. The balance provided by this ratio helps promote both the health of the hens and the efficiency of reproduction within the flock, ensuring that egg production remains high and consistent.