5 year old flock, replacing hens, shoud I replace rooster too?

CharityZ · Oct 31, 2015

I have 13 hens and a rooster. They are about 5 years old. I'm going to be replacing the hens soon and I'm wondering if I should keep the same rooster or replace him too. I can get a rooster that is being raised with the hens that are coming. But I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to keep my current rooster because he is familiar with the perimeters of the property. Any advise?

sourland · Oct 31, 2015

As long as your rooster is in good physical condition, I see no reason to replace him. Even tempered good flock roosters are worth their weight in gold. Well, not quite, but you get what I mean.

donrae · Oct 31, 2015

I would keep your current male, for now at least. Younger males are just a pain to deal with so often, so if you have a known gentleman, stay with him. You don't mention hatching your own chicks, so I'm thinking fertility isn't an issue?

oldhenlikesdogs · Oct 31, 2015

I might keep your older rooster, but I would also get a fresh one with the new hens, young roosters can be a pain but an older rooster could hurt the younger hens, and an older mature rooster can be quite hefty, and I have found that the rooster tends to hang with the hens he grew up with. Most roosters don't live as long as hens do so your older rooster could perish before he's any use to you. It might be best to get all fresh new birds and figure out the old one as you go along.

5 year old flock, replacing hens, shoud I replace rooster too?

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CharityZ

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sourland

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donrae

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oldhenlikesdogs

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