Hmm...

[Sunshine Hen]

this is kind of a wierd question. Do chickens go in "heat" like dogs do? Or do they just...uh..."do it" when the rooster wants too? And if they do go in heat, will the fact that I'm not going to get a rooster matter? Will they be angry or confused??

This just popped in my mind so I decided to ask. Thanks!!

 

[Dipsy Doodle Doo]

I think chickens are always 'in season', at least the breeds and crossbreeds I have are

Your girls won't care that there is no rooster around.
I kept a flock of Barred Plymouth Rock hens for years with no roo and they (and I) were happy with the arrangement.

What breeds do you have?

Lisa

 

[Sunshine Hen]

I don't have any chickens yet...but I'm going to get:
1 Australorp
1 Buff Orpington
1 Americauna
All girls. (obviously)

 

[keljonma]

Quote:
A female dog goes into heat and that is the only time it can get pregnant. Chickens do not go into heat; a laying pullet or hen doesn't get pregnant. Whether or not there is a rooster present to fertilize the egg, she will lay. Roosters don't care if a female chicken is old enough to lay eggs, and will jump a female chicken regardless of her age.

That said, there are times of the year, especially spring, when a rooster may become more aggressive with the females in your flock. A female becomes broody due to a hormonal change in her body, it doesn't matter if a rooster is present.

You don't need a rooster unless you want fertilized eggs for hatching or eating.

Your girls may be happier without the stress of having a rooster around.