How long will it take my girls to adjust to being without a rooster

[staceyl]

My Bruno got hit by a car this afternoon.

We didn't originally intend to get a rooster, but we became kind of attached to him. However, I don't think we will be replacing him - at least not until next spring.
My girls are calling rather sadly. Should I expect no eggs for a while? Anything else I need to think about?
Stacey

 

[IN-farmgirl]

ONe of the hens may step in and take the lead roll. Don't be surprised if one of the hens starts crowing. They will still lay eggs without him.

 

[staceyl]

.

 

[staceyl]

Oh I know they will still lay - was just thinking the stress/change might impact them for a bit?

 

[IN-farmgirl]

Sorry about your roo. Very sad....

 

[McGoo]

Mine were totally beside themselves for the few months that I didn't have a roo. They seemed to keep looking for him and just couldn't get around without him. If they free-range the hens might be in trouble - since the roo typically keeps an eye to the sky.



ps. if you want a little BO roo and live in the NE I've got one.

 

[staceyl]

I'm afraid I'm on the other end of the country, but thanks for the offer! They are only about 6 months old, so maybe being pretty young they will adjust faster? Or is that wishful thinking?

 

[chickensducks&agoose]

My girls took about 3 minutes to get over the loss of their roo, and are now working on growing their feathers back.

 

[staceyl]

Well, that's quite a variation in answers. Anyone else?

 

[feathersnuggles]

My rooster Mirage left our backyard flock at 12 weeks old to begin his new life at a nice farm nearby. Actually, he was still a cockerel...and the young pullets, 12-13 week olds, missed his young manly energy for all of about 2 days.

I think it depends on how old they are and how long they've been living with their rooster.