Do I have to have a rooster?

[Not-so Slick Chicken]

He’s 6 months and so bad!! He is constantly on their backs and beats their heads to the ground. It breaks my heart. I know it’s a part of it but he pulls feathers at time.

It'll really depend on the bird. I might have lucked out with mine.

My flock is about 15 months old. Got them all at the same time. Ended up with 1 surprise cockerel, and his 13 pullets. But no adult flock to mentor them. And fortunately he's been good.

 

[FrostRanger]

He’s 6 months and so bad!! He is constantly on their backs and beats their heads to the ground. It breaks my heart. I know it’s a part of it but he pulls feathers at time.

At 6 months, you have a cockerel, not a mature rooster. I'd separate him for a few weeks to see if he calms down. If he doesn't calm down a bit in a few months I'd make that separation permanent. Usually, but not always, males will calm down a bit once they mature (at about a year to a year and half old), sometimes though a roo is just a brute

 

[BigBlueHen53]

It's entirely up to you. As you can tell by the responses so far, no, a rooster (or cockerel) is not necessary in a flock. And a rough one that upsets the hens - and you - is absolutely not needed!

But how to get rid of him may be your next concern.

 

[debid]

I had a surprise cockerel in my first flock. He had to go around age 2, too many issues. The hen that took charge was fantastic.
I've let a hen lead ever since. There isn't a lot of difference other than there isn't any mating going on. HOWEVER, the hen in charge will grab at the neck feathers, watch the lower ranking hen drop to a submissive posture... maybe step on her, maybe not... and then let her go. So if you are expecting for all aggressive behaviors to cease, please remember that these are chickens and the pecking order will be maintained with or without a rooster.