Do I need another rooster?

[dreamdoc]

A friend gave us a banty rooster years ago who was actually too small to mate with any of our big hens. He was not person aggressive and got on with the hens though they didn't like him trying to mate with them. He died yesterday of old age. I can't tell if the hens miss him though then have not gone down our long run at all today. They just huddled together in the main coop. Are they happy without him? Should I get another banty? Unsure what to do.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Unless you want chicks from your eggs, there is no need to get a rooster. Most won't and don't give their lives for the hens. Some are good protectors; however, if they aren't doing that job, and aren't being used for fertility, there's no point.

You are likely seeing a reaction in the flock to something different...ie a bird that was there in the pecking order no longer there. There will be some confusion as the pecking order is re-established. Some roosters are very good at keeping the pecking order established and hens settled, however, I'd be surprised your bantam was doing that job being so small.

My guess is they are simply reacting to change not missing a rooster. Many times hens are happier without being hassled by a rooster to mate.

LofMc

 

[MaeIstrom]

I noticed this exact same behaviour the first time I had to cull a rooster, the hens moped around the shed for a couple of days. My guess is they are (or were) missing him. They're very social creatures and even they didn't appreciate his mating attempts they definitely appreciated having a lookout that was constantly scanning for danger while they were out foraging. Of course in the absence of a rooster the alpha hen will eventually move into that role and possibly even start mounting the other hens. My feeling is if you can keep a rooster you definitely should. Maybe even go for something more size compatible but still mellow like a plymouth rock or even a silkie.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Chickens are creatures of habit. One small change in the daily status quo and they will react. What you are seeing is them reacting to that sudden change.

 

[MaeIstrom]

Yes but what makes you think that reaction wouldn't include grief for a dead flock mate? You can keep chickens for years and not appreciate the complexities of their social bonds if you're not looking for it. I was raised to see them as simple livestock and for years that's all I saw but coming back to them as hobby and watching "chicken tv" there's not many emotions I haven't seen them manifest. There's a documentary called "The Secret Life of Chickens" on youtube you might find worth a watch if you ever an hour to spend.

 

[FrostRanger]

If you want another rooster, get one. Unless you want to hatch chicks though you don't need another rooster. Your birds will be fine either way

 

[ShrekDawg]

You don’t need one but I personally loved having roosters.