How do roos affect eggs?

[NNYLeghorns]

I have one young roo and 4 young hens about 11 wks old. When they start laying eggs, do I have to be concerned about the eggs being fertilized. I am not looking to hatch any eggs but the roo looks nice and would be cool to have around.

Any suggestion would be great.

 

[muddyhorse]

yes he will fertilize eggs. but unless they are incubated by a hen or by you , you don't have to worry about babies. just pick up eggs twice a day and you shouldn't have problems. Leghorns very rarely go broody. a rooster will protect his ladies from predators. and it can be fun watching him strut for them. if my boys find a treat they call the women to come eat it

 

[shepherd]

I agree with muddyhorse, The rooster cant hurt anything if you leave him with your hens.

 

[kathyinmo]

Whether you eat fertile eggs or nonfertile eggs, they all taste the same and are completely safe and healthy. No worry at all with or without a rooster. Enjoy your eggs!

 

[patandchickens]

Go to the "fertilized vs unfertilized eggs" stickied thread at the top of the "Incubating and Hatching Eggs" section of the BYC forum, and look at the pics, and you will see how DIFFICULT it is to tell whether an egg is fertile or not. (Assuming it has not been incubated of course

)

You and your family won't even know the difference unless you read that page and have good eyesight

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[Lollipop]

Roosters are cool to have around. All of them are just bursting with personality. Have fun..........Pop

 

[saladin]

Pops right!

Watch out though, roosters are addictive. You'll have one and want more!!!