A Cockerel....to Keep or Not to Keep?

[Chick-N-Fun]

I just discovered that one of my 5 week old chicks is a cockerel. I have only had egg layers and am not sure whether or not to get rid of my "lil rooster. He is currently kept in a smaller coop with 3 pullets. I have 2 adult layers in our large coop and run. I don't plan on merging the flock until late June or so. I just want to know others' thoughts on whether or not to keep the Danish Brown Leghorn Rooster. I am squeamish about the idea of eating fertilized eggs, but understand that I probably have many times without me knowing!! So the question is....To Keep or Not to Keep my little "Trooper", his name???? Are most roosters aggressive? How do they affect the flock and what are the advantages of having a rooster? I have bird dogs, so free ranging them on our country farm is out of the question. They have a large dog run with a chicken wired roof to freely roam. With the cockerel, there are 6 chickens in the flock. I would appreciate any/all feedback!
Thanks, in advance!!!

 

[Mrs. K]

If you are new to chickens or have small children, I would not recommend keeping him. IMHO roosters take a little poultry experience. They are kind of a crap shoot, although as you have older ladies, that will help. They will teach him proper chicken society.

Thing is, roosters are either a dream or a nightmare. Personally, I did not get a rooster until year 3. I do free range in some tough country, and a good mature rooster has dramatically reduced my losses. But a rooster is not really worth much until they are nearly a year old.

You don't want fertilized eggs, you don't free range, I think I would let him go.

Mrs K

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Thank you, Mrs. K. Your advice is just what I needed!!!