Even if I dont want to hatch chicks, should I still get a rooster???

[AJ666]

I may be getting chickens this spring and I don't think I will have the need to hatch chicks, I just want eggs. Do I still get a rooster?

 

[Gonzo]

You don't have to, but they do help keep the girls safe.

 

[NonnasBabies]

I like having one but truely it's personal preference. My rooster looks out for his girls when their free ranging!! Keeps a very close eye on them and I just LOVE to hear hime crow in the morning!!

Missi

 

[CityGirlintheCountry]

- You do not need a rooster to get eggs.
- Roosters are great if you plan on freeranging. Mine are terrific at protecting the flock.
- Roosters have loads of personality. They can also be a pain in the tushie. I am currently cleaning out two spectacular cuts from an irate banty rooster. The other roosters out there are great. The banty is a he-devil.
- Roosters crow ALL THE TIME!!! That dawn thing is a myth. They just start at dawn, or pre-dawn, and continue all day. I like the noise, but others don't. Factor that in. You cannot make a rooster not crow.

I love most of my boys, despite never intending to have roosters. I find them to be hysterically funny. But they are harder than the girls. It's a trade off. It's your call.

And...

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Only if you don't mind hearing them crow.

 

[Gonzo]

I put the girls in the front yard this morning, and Fluffy the rooster (my kids named him

) crowed non-stop like a broken record until I stuck his butt out there too!

Sometimes that rooster drives me nuts! But I do love his goofy butt!

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

I would go for no on that one...all mine did was make the girls bare backed because he picked three favs and only mated them over and OVER and over again. I ended up finding him a new home and the girls seem MUCH happier.

 

[babyblue]

if you free range at all a rooster is valuable. he will defend his girls from danger best he can. even if that means becoming cannon foder himself. sadly roosters are a dime a dozen, good hens are worth much more.

 

[math ace]

I see no need for a Roo.

I do not FREE RANGE mine, so they don't need protection from a Roo.

If you want to hatch some eggs - - - - then order some and put them under a broody hen.
I am waiting for one to go broody now - - - there are tons of hatching eggs out there.
IF you aren't feeding a roo, then the cost for the eggs seems moot.

I just got a roo, but that is because I want to breed MARANS. This is the breed that I have chosen to work with.

The rest of my ladies are without a roo. When I ordered my pullets - - one turned out to be a roo. I am keeping him now,
but later I will get rid of him.

Roos can be mean to people. Roos can be rough with the ladies - - especially if you don't have enough ladies.
Too many roos bothering the ladies can stress the ladies out and they won't lay.
Roos eat a lot and give no eggs.

Get your ladies and skip the roo. Often they are given away - FREE or next to FREE.
You can pick up a roo whenever you decide you have to have one !

 

[NonnasBabies]

Quote:

Believe it or not mine rarely and I mean rarely ever crows during the day!!

Missi