Crowing attracting preditors.

[Uncle Vig]

Hello all, Uncle Vig here coming to you from north central Alabama. I ordered 48 hens to start my new flock not wanting the crowing of the roosters attracting preditors. Turns out that 2 of my easter eggers are cockerals and one is beginning to crow. But now that I have them, I don't really want to send them to the stew pot. I kind of like having them around sc. Are my worries of attracting preditors well founded? BTW my flock is free range.

 

[sourland]

If you have chickens, the predators will come whether or not you have roosters. The roosters may serve as an early warning system. I'd keep them.

 

[Mtnboomer]

I have a free range flock. I keep one breeding rooster with the flock and several in a run.

The crowing doesn't seem to matter as much as the scent. I wouldn't worry.

 

[Uncle Vig]

Thanks guys, I have grown attached to them in a very short time. Beautiful hackel feathers on both.

 

[Chicken Heel]

Actually roosters are quite adept at alerting the hens when predators are stirring about and many will give up their lives protecting the hens from harm. Your theory about the crowing attracting predators is something I have never considered in my 50+ years of raising chickens. I am interested in what other BYC members may think regarding that.

 

[centrarchid]

Rooster crowing a 0200 from tree in field easy to find than one that is not crowing. When my game roosters that were out in more predator rich environments, they crowed a lot less. More than once I used a rooster's crowing to locate his roost site when it was out on a wooded area.

 

[UThobbyfarmer]

Roosters are amazing. They add so much to a flock. I don't think their crowing will attract any more predators than the hens. Same smells and hen can get pretty loud when laying.... especially 40 of them. Some roosters are actually quiet most of the day. Only crowing when on high alert. I like those ones.

I've had many roos over the years throw themselves on the grenade when required. To save their hens from a dog or other predator. I'm always heartbroken to loose one. Like you I get attached. Much more than the hens. They're just flashier and more dynamic. If you're able, 100%, keep them!

 

[Uncle Vig]

I live in a coyote rich environment. Luckily, they have to cross a large field to get to the backyard where the birds stay. I hear them in the evening but haven't seen any yet. Lots of turkeys in those woods, maybe they are a distraction.