Does the rooster have to be the same breed as the hen?

Nope. All the rooster has to do is be able to reach.

 

No. You can mix any breeds that you want, but the offspring just won't be pure bred. I loved mixed breed chickens, personally. Sometimes they are beauties!

 

Some of the most beautiful chickens I have hatched are mixed breeds!!! It is really fun to see all the combinations!!!

 

Quote:
My rooster is way too big for my dwarfism-impaired hen...

 

Don't be so sure. My Light Brahma LF roo has taken a REAL liking to a gold laced bantam cochin I have. When I first saw him "dance" and then breed her I was shocked and amazed that he did not hurt her and that she didn't run for the hills to boot - I would have. He is at least 5 times her size. He is very gentle with her. Now his 4 light brahma hens he basicly grabs and mounts whenever he wants. He romances the little bantam hen by dancing and struting in front of her first and she always submits before he even trys to mount her. I have one egg from this pair that I just set in the incubator the other day - hoping it hatches so I can see the results, lol. Should be interesting!

 

Where are my manners? I forgot to say

 

i meant to edit my post and say that, too:

. . . but got caught up in a million chicken-related things.

 

Personally, I would not want a rooster that was not the same breed as my hens. When the hens got older and needed to be replaced, I would not want to take a chance on what kind of chickens I'd end up with when I hatched the crossed eggs. I bought the breed that I like and wanted to stick with because of their temperament.