Keep the birds locked in the coop for a few days until they get used to sleeping in there and know it's safe. After that they'll automatically put themselves to sleep inside at dusk.
You don't need a rooster for eggs. Some can be cranky. They crow. That said, I think they get a bad rap.
If you are allowed to have roosters, I highly recommend them. Sounds like you have the room.
Roosters make your eggs fertile so if you have a hen that goes broody occasionally you won't need to buy chickens again.
Roosters keep the peace in a flock.
Roosters find food for ranging hens and stand watch while the girls eat.
Roosters' most important job is protecting the flock, a vital element in pastured poultry.
I've had up to 10 at a time in my backyard but they're in the coops till a decent hour in the morning. Even when they're outside I can't hear them crow unless I'm outside too. My 2 closest neighbors didn't know I had chickens till I told them.
I've had a mean rooster but he tasted just like chicken.
My current batch of roosters have never acted like they wanted to attack me or any human. They do stand their ground with predators though.
Roosters attack predators and other roosters. Predators move quickly and other roosters don't bring treats. If you bring treats and move slowly, the roosters will know the difference.
If you have enough space and enough hens you can have multiple roosters.
You don't need a rooster for eggs. Some can be cranky. They crow. That said, I think they get a bad rap.
If you are allowed to have roosters, I highly recommend them. Sounds like you have the room.
Roosters make your eggs fertile so if you have a hen that goes broody occasionally you won't need to buy chickens again.
Roosters keep the peace in a flock.
Roosters find food for ranging hens and stand watch while the girls eat.
Roosters' most important job is protecting the flock, a vital element in pastured poultry.
I've had up to 10 at a time in my backyard but they're in the coops till a decent hour in the morning. Even when they're outside I can't hear them crow unless I'm outside too. My 2 closest neighbors didn't know I had chickens till I told them.
I've had a mean rooster but he tasted just like chicken.
My current batch of roosters have never acted like they wanted to attack me or any human. They do stand their ground with predators though.
Roosters attack predators and other roosters. Predators move quickly and other roosters don't bring treats. If you bring treats and move slowly, the roosters will know the difference.
If you have enough space and enough hens you can have multiple roosters.
