Free Ranging Chickens In Mo :-)

[kidsnchickens]

Good morning! We r fairly new to chickens too. We have a beautiful flock of hens that are just starting to lay eggs ... Very exciting! They free range during the day on about 3 acres down a gravel road w/lots of big shade trees. Our problem is our rooster. He is a beautiful brown laced polish. Everytime I go to check for eggs or put them back in the coop he waits till I turn around n jumps on my back ... Not very nice & im worried about him doing it to the kids. Can our hens free range without him? What r everyone's thoughts? We really appreciate the input! =)

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, kidsnchicks, and

! Pleased you joined our community! There seems to be two camps about roosters - those who swear by them as flock protectors and those who say their roosters only look out for number one and don't take on predators. Honestly, I'm not sure if a Polish rooster is much of a match against most things that would eat the hens. I think the hens will be fine on their own...or is fine as they would be with a rooster. Mine don't have a rooster right now and no problems. I guess what I mean is that in my opinion, if a big hungry coyote with chicken dinner on his mind charges my birds it wouldn't make any difference if I had a rooster or not. Just my opinion. Good luck to you!!

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC! I would re-home the rooster, good luck to you.

 

[kidsnchickens]

Thanks! We really appreciate the input. The rooster is headed to a new home next week, so we r going to try it w/o one. =)

 

[BantamFan4Life]

 

[drumstick diva]

too many good roosters available cheaply or even free, to put up with an aggressive one. Yes, they can be very dangerous to kids - because they are closer to the ground than adults

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[ChirpyChicks1]

Glad you were able to find him a new home! Welcome to the site

 

[4H gal]

Welcome to BYC!!!!!