How important is a rooster?

[bowyorang]

Ok... I know you don't HAVE to have a rooster for a chicken to lay an egg, BUT, does it help in production?
Please forgive the obvious newbie question.

I am only looking to get 4-5 chickens total. I don't need too many eggs. I'm sure we'll be giving a lot away anyway, but just was wanting to know whether or not I need a Roo in order for the girls to want to lay more.
Not looking to have chicks just yet, so that isn't an issue.
Thanks!
Micah

 

[speckledhen]

No, it doesn't help with production. A calm, clean, healthy environment and proper food helps with that. You don't need one for that small flock unless you want fertile eggs from one of those hens to hatch.

 

[Happy Chooks]

It makes no difference in egg production. Now if you want baby chicks, then you'll need one. Or if you want a protector of the hens.

 

[bowyorang]

Thanks for the info!

 

[sparky134]

I also have a rooster question?? I have 10 standard hens and 1 standard RIR rooster and about 5 of my hens are terribly bared backed from him would a few more hens help?? Or should I try a bantam rooster instead of the standard for a small flock? I would like the rooster for protection not so much for fertile eggs..I have read other threads on very aggressive roosters towards people and I would say my RIR is not that way, this is my first rooster and I have nothing to guage his personality with. Please help with any suggestions or comparisons on rooster behavior..

 

[MareeZoCool]

Well, I have just 1 hen, my roo is extremely important to her! They speak to each other all day long, rarely have more than a couple feet between them as they explore & range my yard.

 

[crazychicken89]

I have a Rooster question to. I have 11 hens and 1 rooster. Do i need one more rooster for all my girls or is one rooster enough?

 

[NonnasBabies]

I have 1 roo with 18 girls right now!! And if the 15 pullets I just bought all turn out to be pullets than it will be 33 girls to 1 roo!! But I have don't have to have fertile eggs. I have him for protection and protect his flock he does!!

Missi

 

[crazychicken89]

But i'm looking for fertile eggs.

 

[thespinningcottage]

I have read that 1 rooster to 10 hens is best. I'm not sure of the group dynamics if there are more hens. We have noticed with our rooster that he has his 2 favorites among our 10 hens, and they tend to lose some feathers on their backs while the other girls look fine (although all their eggs are fertile). Also, one more observation: we had a more aggressive rooster awhile back and when we got rid of him production went UP. Maybe the girls were too stressed?