Hen or Rooster?

[KikiLeigh02]

Having older hens/pullets will actually be beneficial, he'll be ready to mate (if he isn't ready now) long before the two pullets with him are. You can have fertile eggs and just not hatch or incubate them. There a pros/cons either way, especially if you have younger kids. This was helpful for me:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/beekisseds-rooster-speak.73664/

 

[erinfe]

So the worst thing that can happen if I let nature take its course is that I’ll end up with some baby chicks? Is it had to find people that will buy them?

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

I don’t know if we can have a rooster? The neighbors probably won’t appreciate it but I can deal with that. I know I can’t raise chicks although my kids would love it. I’m sure there aren’t any vets near us that could neuter it (that’s even possible). Wouldn’t it be mean to separate him from the 2 hens he loves?

I wouldn't want to separate him, you could have him caponized, but it would be pricey and he may become bullied and sad.

So the worst thing that can happen if I let nature take its course is that I’ll end up with some baby chicks? Is it had to find people that will buy them?

yes!

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

Our current flock is 9 hens and we are slowly assimilateing them. So the ratio would actually be perfect. We have successfully combined 3 flocks in the past with no problems. This time is going a little slower probably because of the roo. Wouldn’t it be a problem when he starts mating with them?

With the number of hens you have, it probably won't be a problem. If it is, just separate him for a little while to let him mature a little, within sight of the hens so he won't be lonely.

What about the fertilized eggs?

As long as you collect the eggs regularly you should be fine. The only chance of them hatching or even developing is if you get a broody hen, and if that happens you just have to collect the eggs more often.

So the worst thing that can happen if I let nature take its course is that I’ll end up with some baby chicks? Is it had to find people that will buy them?

If you do get a broody hen and let her sit on the eggs for 21 days, you will get chicks. Usually if you sell them as chicks it's pretty easy to find them a home.

 

[Dr.GarryTTucker]

I see a cockerel

 

[keesmom]

So the worst thing that can happen if I let nature take its course is that I’ll end up with some baby chicks? Is it had to find people that will buy them?

Depends on your area. In some places roosters aren't allowed so people are hesitant to take a chance on straight run chicks. If they are allowed then it may be different.

If you do hatch have a plan ready ahead of time in case you have them for longer than anticipated. Especially for the excess cockerels.