getting a rooster

[kelzey]

We all have different goals, management techniques, climates, set-ups and facilities, personal preferences, experience, and so many different things there is no one answer to this that is right for everyone. There is so much I don't know about your situation I don't really have anything to base a "best" recommendation on. But I do have something for you to consider.

Since your cousin is going to hatch some chicks for you next year, wait. I don't know how many chicks will actually hatch but there is a good chance you will get at least one and maybe several cockerels. So raise those chicks with your flock and see if any make a good rooster for you. I don't know where you are located so no idea of your weather or climate, but gain that experience in weather and other things before you expand your flock. A lot of people make changes to their facilities or management techniques that first year.

Something I think important that you consider since you plan to eventually hatch chicks. What will you do with the excess boys you hatch? What will you do with the pullets too, it's not hard to get overrun with chickens if you hatch many even if you just keep the girls.

you make a very valid point, getting experience and learning more about chicken keeping is definitely what i’m gonna do. and raising those chicks with mine, my girls will pretty much get to choose which one THEY like best i’m assuming? and about the winter situation, i’m from canada so winters here are pretty rough. we are currently in the process of winter proofing a spot for them in one of our sheds. thank you for your input! i really appreciate it

 

[centrarchid]

Since you will be working with a rooster for the first time, consider acquiring him as a fully adult bird. Selecting him then can take some, not all the mystery about his behaviors that might prove problematic or not. I would source him from a flock that raised him under tutelage of adult roosters.