Yeah they free range but not exactly a large area, mind you at 750m2 it's bigger than average block these days, And yes the rooster does stay close to the hens to protect them.
Not good having too many roosters, poor hens get hammered. I'll aim to dispatch all but one rooster once I can tell which are boys and girls, which will be at about 16-18 weeks with this breed. At that age they should still be tender enough to roast
Around here council allows you to have 12 chickens but not as if they police it, not allowed to have roosters but if no one complains.......................
