Do I need a rooster?

You don't have to get a rooster, but I find they add a wonderful dimension to the flock and to disagree with NYReds (again, sorry Bill), they may be the first one eaten, but that may save the hens. It's the job of the rooster to get them to safety, even at the loss of his own life. Mine have done this over and over again and thankfully, they have never had to try to actually battle a canine predator, though they have warned us of them, but I know someone whose rooster has, more than once, and still lives today. You can read his stories here:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/521876/why-have-a-rooster-new-pg-10-video-pg-13

The small downside to having a rooster, especially a very aggressive breeder, is the feather loss on some of the hens. Even when you have enough for him, he'll still have favorites. They will not improve the egg laying situation and if they stress out the hens too much, they can limit egg production.
 
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Hi,
Cockerels just end up stressing hens out and making them a little upset.
There is no gaurentee that they will improve egg laying, I had 2 roosters, they stressed my hens out loads and ended up making my hens lay less than they usually do. Also they don't prevent predetors as sadly my cockerels were killed by the fox before I could save them, thankfully I rescued my hens.
Hope this helped :)
 
Roosters don't improve egg production, at least not in my experience. The only reason I keep roos is because they fertilize the eggs, protect the hens in some cases and if you have a nice one they are funny characters. Sometimes I'll find my big Cuckoo Maran rooster squished into a nest box and calling the hens, as if they could fit with him in there
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I agree with speckledhen. A rooster adds so much to a flock.

I have hens and pullets of different ages, and he was able to consolidate them into one flock, who follows him everywhere. He "manages" the flock for me - when I come with treats, I call him and he comes running. I give him the threats, one by one, and he distributes them to the hens, eating a bite here and there. it is the funniest thing to watch!! the one problem is with cheese, his very favorite treat - he has to use a lot of self control not to eat it all himself!

When they are free ranging and one of the hens is back in the coop laying and starts singing the egg song, I tell him to go get his girl and ther ehe goes, running like a mad rooster. Funniest thing is when as soon as he comes back, another one starts calling... he's a busy, busy rooster!
 
I agree with speckledhen. A rooster adds so much to a flock.

I have hens and pullets of different ages, and he was able to consolidate them into one flock, who follows him everywhere. He "manages" the flock for me - when I come with treats, I call him and he comes running. I give him the threats, one by one, and he distributes them to the hens, eating a bite here and there. it is the funniest thing to watch!! the one problem is with cheese, his very favorite treat - he has to use a lot of self control not to eat it all himself!

When they are free ranging and one of the hens is back in the coop laying and starts singing the egg song, I tell him to go get his girl and ther ehe goes, running like a mad rooster. Funniest thing is when as soon as he comes back, another one starts calling... he's a busy, busy rooster!
Mine goes running back but he must think he has to mate right after they lay the egg poor girl.
 

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