do i need a rooster???

[sourland]

Quote:
And all know that Gritty has the best rooster possible, the prepotent Impy.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
And all know that Gritty has the best rooster possible, the prepotent Impy.

Oh please don't encourage the little twerp! He's having a crowing contest with Thor right now. You'd think losing his tailfeathers in their tussle last week would have taught him something, but nooooooo

 

[Chook-A-Holic]

Quote:
And all know that Gritty has the best rooster possible, the prepotent Impy.

Oh please don't encourage the little twerp! He's having a crowing contest with Thor right now. You'd think losing his tailfeathers in their tussle last week would have taught him something, but nooooooo

You two still going at it...lol? You two are more entertaining than a whole flock of roos...

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Oh please don't encourage the little twerp! He's having a crowing contest with Thor right now. You'd think losing his tailfeathers in their tussle last week would have taught him something, but nooooooo

You two still going at it...lol? You two are more entertaining than a whole flock of roos...

He started it!

And now thanks to him I have a whole bunch of little mutant trahmas running around.

 

[Chook-A-Holic]

Quote:
You two still going at it...lol? You two are more entertaining than a whole flock of roos...

He started it!

And now thanks to him I have a whole bunch of little mutant trahmas running around.

 

[sourland]

Quote:
And all know that Gritty has the best rooster possible, the prepotent Impy.

Oh please don't encourage the little twerp! He's having a crowing contest with Thor right now. You'd think losing his tailfeathers in their tussle last week would have taught him something, but nooooooo

Lost his tailfeathers, heck-- he pulled them out so as to afford easier "access" to the girls. Go Impy go. Spread those genes around.

 

[Mattemma]

We recently got a rooster to protect the flock from predators and lol each other(major pecking). It has been enjoyable to watch the interactions and so far I am glad we got him.

 

[DHcallsmeChickenCrazy]

Was just about to ask basically the same question. So glad I found this post!

I am in the process of building my coop and planning on getting some chicks for the first time. I, too, was wondering about the need for a rooster...I mean, besides the obvious. My reasons, also, for getting hens are eggs and entertainment.

I like the idea of a rooster to help with protection and keeping the girls in line (and added entertainment), but I've also heard horror stories of how mean they can be. I have 4 kids (2 under the age of 3), and I would hate for my kids to not even be able to enjoy seeing the chickens (or playing outside, for that matter) for fear of the rooster attacking them.

Here's one question I have: how do most people keep from having an over abundance of fertilized eggs? Do you just keep the rooster separated from the hens most of the time, or does he NOT just "go at it" with all the hens all the time so that you can keep him with them? I know this probably sounds silly to some, but I really have no idea how this all works (and I've read the books). I wouldn't mind my hens having some chicks now and then, but I don't want to end up with too many to handle.

Also, if I were to get a rooster, which kind would be the most docile?

Thanks for all the helpful info! I love this site!

 

[schellie69]

Quote:
You can not taste a difference between fertilized or unfertilized eggs. Just gather eggs everyday and put in fridge. Then no problems. I added a rooster due to pecking problems with the hens. He took care of that problem. I love him he is a bantam so if he has came after me, I either carry him around or my one hen Blondie takes care of him. I don't think I will ever be without a rooster again. They add something to a flock.

To Grit how is Impy doing today. I don't like NN but there is something about Impy I like.

 

[ChickInDelight]

You may want to brush up on your chicken math.

I love hearing the cock crow in the morning, but I am reading that roosters can be very damaging to your hens. Check out the adds for hen aprons.

I am hoping for all girls with my six chicks.