Need help making a final determination on getting rid of our rooster(s)

We're new to "chickening" and have found ourselves (from hatching a batch) with two roosters and five pullets. My husband wants to get rid of the roosters because we know how much noise they make and are aware of their generally natural aggressive tendencies--we just wanted chickens for the eggs and aren't interested in breeding. I'm pretty much in agreement with him, however since I'm the one reading these chicken forums more than he, I'm aware of the overall benefit of keeping a rooster around for protection (and that there are many docile ones who are much beloved by their owners).

I'm pretty much looking for assurance that getting rid of the roosters (we'd have to get rid of one anyway I realize) won't be a bad decision in hindsight. All the advantages we can see in simply keeping the hens make sense to us, but since we're new and unseasoned, I wanted to see if anyone has some forewarnings for us before we make this decision final in the next several days.

...is it worth keeping one around (and simply getting him a collar?) even if our primary interest was in the eggs? I realize we're risking some protection but I don't let them free range except when I'm out with them anyway.

We have leghorns btw.

Thanks for any wisdom you can share!

Welcome to the world of chicken keeping and flock management! In my opinion, the only reason one would *need* to keep a rooster is if one wanted fertilized eggs. Yes, they can provide some protection, but much of that is due to being vigilant and sounding an early warning, rather than fighting off a predator, and in the abscence of a rooster, a dominant hen may take on that role. If you have neighbors nearby who would not appreciate the crowing, it would definitely be good to get rid of them. Since you didn't want roosters in the first place, getting rid of them is a good plan. With that small of a flock, your hens will be much happier.

THANK YOU! It's very reassuring to hear that from a seasoned chicken keeper. This is what we both have been leaning toward and he knows I just need the extra encouragement.

Now for getting rid of the little buggars...(one began to crow just this morning--yikes!).

I kept my rooster until summer.

Then, after a few attacks and being woken up around 4AM I decided it wasn't my thing lol.

If you don't want one don't keep one, your hens will be fine without one especially if you keep your hens confined. Some roosters can be too much for just a few hens, it depend on the rooster.

I will have to speak up for the roosters though, I have had plenty of roosters give their lives going after a predator, and some have actually fought some off, when the girls are screaming and running the roosters are looking for the problem. If I am missing a rooster I start looking for the predators.

HewlettFam said:

THANK YOU! It's very reassuring to hear that from a seasoned chicken keeper. This is what we both have been leaning toward and he knows I just need the extra encouragement. 

Now for getting rid of the little buggars...(one began to crow just this morning--yikes!).

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Leghorns aren't very meaty, but would make good soup stock!

Loved all those replies--thanks so much for all of this. I LOL'd at some of those!

I also recommend letting them go. I think that roosters take experience. Many times it is newbies to the hobby that get in a wreck with roosters. I strongly recommend hen only flocks for the first year. Get some experiences with poultry. Roosters are cheap and plentiful, if you want one later, there is plenty of time to expand this hobby. I have had a small flock for years, and finally feel like I am truly getting the hang of it. There is a learning curve.

Mrs K

Oh that is so great to hear! I now feel complete freedom to get rid of them and that I'm not making a damaging mistake in doing so. Thank you for this wisdom!!

Agrees, get rid of them....beware tho that hens can make quite a lot of noise themselves.
The decibel level of several jabbering hens around laying time can make a couple of cockerel crows seem nostalgic.
Tho they only do it during daylight hours it can be annoying and alarming if not forewarned.