how many hens B4 you need a roo?

[zumachicks]

you guys are hilarious!!!!

i don't want a roo...i just want eggs...i don't want chicks either (yet), so i am stoked i can get more..MANY more!!!!!!

thank you SO much for your very entertaining answers!!!

 

[ruth]

Hi Zumachicks and welcome to BYC. Under the never assume category - You do know you don't need a rooster for eggs?

Many people don't know that. I'm asked all the time how I get eggs without a rooster.

The rooster has nothing to do with the hen laying eggs, she does that all by her little lonesome. He just fertilizes them before the fact. So if you only want eggs and you don't want babies - then you don't want a roo.

 

[ridgefire]

Some people do say that you and your hens are missing out by not having a roo. But your hens will still live good, happy lives with out a roo and still produce great eggs.

 

[RubberChickenLubber]

Quote:
I can think of quite a few comments to go with that one.


I think we all know a few women that say they would be happier w/o a man though.

 

[steffpeck]

I agree with having somewhere upwards of 15 hens to 1 roo. We have 10 hens and even with one roo in there with them, they are getting "overworked". LOL

 

[zumachicks]

hee hee - yes, i DID know you can get eggs without a roo, but thought they would start getting "grump" if i did not get a roo at some point. i am very happy to hear that i do not need one. maybe i'll rent them some movies

 

[chickenannie]

One reason I got a roo for my first 15 hens was because I wanted to free-range them, and was told that the roo would alert them to danger. I guess hens on their own are very oblivious to hawks and dangers unless it's right under their nose (beaks).

One of my roos DOES warn the hens. The other roo is as unhelpful as ever. So it also depends on the roo quality and character. If you're not free-ranging, this aspect is unimportant.

 

[flakey chick]

How do I convince my dad that the hens I'm going to get will be just fine without a roo? He is convinced that the girls need a rooster for the whole "social order" thing.

Having grown up on a farm with chickens, he does have experience, but I'm not sure I trust it.

For example they used to let their chickens range completely free over the summer (roosting in the trees). He thought I should do the same until I reminded him about all the possums, racoons, and owls we have.

 

[coffeemama]

Quote:

 

[ams3651]

I was actually thinking about this earlier, so If I have say 5 hens and 1 rooster, is that too few for the rooster? I dont want my hens to be...uuummmm...unhappy. I want a rooster but I am thinking I only have room for 6-8 chickens total.