Deciding whether or not to have a rooster

[Happy Chooks]

My DH would like to have a rooster to be more self sufficient. That way if the world came to a screaching halt, we'd be better able to feed our family.


I have 2 boys (9 and 6) and my 6 year old loves to be with the chickens. He goes to visit them often. He is very good with them and likes to bend down to give them treats and pet them.

I know if I do decide on getting a rooster, I'd have to get some more hens, as we only have 6 chickens at the moment.

So, is there a breed that is better suited to children? I'd hate to get a rooster and have my child injured because of it. Also, should you only breed same breeds together, or are "mutts" okay? Do all roosters grow spurs?

Thanks.

 

[Rootball]

mutts are ok

roosters can be despurred

There are definitely more docile breeds

 

[Happy Chooks]

What breeds are more docile?

 

[Rootball]

What breeds of hens do you have now?



Rhode Island Reds are known to be aggressive roosters, so steer clear.


Brahmas are docile and large.

Lots of people will give you opinions on docile roosters, and interacting/training will help, but you might want
an:

Orpington or Brahma or Langshan or Cochin

 

[Chicks_N_Horses]

That is a great idea

I tell ya, when the world goes down and there is no internet, no communications, no anything then my family will be sittin' high on the hog. We are very self sufficient and my DH is like none other I have ever met. He could build anything and grow anything and hunt anything......It is a great way to learn to be!!

I personally love roos better than hens anyways so we have plenty. I haven't found a breed of rooster that will always be docile, I just stew the mean ones and we are left with the sweet ones. Mutts are more than OK. My mutts are my favorites.

Roos do grow spurs but can be easily removed - GOOD LUCK

 

[Happy Chooks]

Quote:
See below.

Brahma would be good and they have some bulk to them if we needed to eat them. I love my LB girl.

 

[Rootball]

yeah ....get a Light Brahma or a Buff Orp. Then you will have, mostly mutts with a few purebreds for fun.

 

[Happy Chooks]

What about BA roosters? I've read they have a nice temperament. I'm planning on getting some BA chicks next spring.

 

[Rootball]

Im drawing blank on BA.....sometimes I forget Abreviations.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Black Australorp