Going to free range. Do i need a rooster?

[goldenbeast]

To protect the hens? I have heard of roosters able to defend against cats but dogs apparently are a whole nother story?

 

[emys]

No, you do not need one, but hey are useful in a free range situation.

 

[sunket77]

our roosters make a special noise any time something flies overhead and all the hens stop and watch for the all clear or run for cover, otherwise the hens pay no mind to the sky, all they are interested in is dust bathing and scratching around! Although, there are many false alarms, even the occasional butterfly is apparently a threat. As far as dogs....I would say it would depend on the rooster and the dog.... I would think going at a dog would only make it retaliate.

 

[goldenbeast]

What about possums and raccoons? I would think a big enough rooster with spurs still on would be able to defend itself wouldn't it?

 

[Bizzybirdy]

A rooster is necessary to warn hens of trouble from hawks and other predators so they might be able to hide. Unfortunately no chicken has a chance against a dog, racoon, possum, etc. Best to keep them up at night and be around when they free range.

 

[The Tinman]

My roo has saved my girls from a hawk many times. The only loss was a few feathers.

 

[CMV]

I free-range, but currently do not have a roo. The roo was doing more damage than any predator, so he had to go. In 4 years I have had 2 losses to hawks. Not too bad considering I knew I was bound to get a few losses in that situation. So, a rooster is not necessary, but a rooster can be helpful in warning the hens to hide in an attack, and he will probably be the first to lay down his life for the rest of the flock if need be.

Good luck.

 

[Judy]

I've lost more than one roo who saved part of the flock, even saw the tail end of it happening once, after being alerted by his call. He will warn his flock of predators, and he will put himself between his girls and attack the predator-- with no chance of surviving the attack; he gives his life to protect his girls, to give them time to run or hide.

I've had to get rid of a roo who was abusing the hens, too; it was awful for the girls when he mated, bad enough that they were hiding from him. Fortunately I had another roo -- not long after, we had some coyotes come, and my lone roo gave his life, saving the majority of the girls.