How much help will a Roo be?

[The Sheriff]

I got a pair of geese last week for hawk deterrents. They sound the alarm if a hawk is anywhere near the yard. I know it's not foolproof but better than nothing. My two roos are waaaay too dumb to defend anything, but they are still small. We'll see.

 

[NateinFL]

I have always had roosters and so I see the benefit. They're bantams, but they do keep good watch over their ladies, and they have a louder distress call I can hear through the windows. When I hear the rooster sounding off, I know there's usually trouble nearby.

 

[babyblue]

Ive seen first hand a rooster take on a hawk and injure it so badly it didnt survive. rooster not a scratch, hawk maimed and totaly unable to fly or crawl away. I wish I had a video of it.

 

[speckledhen]

Once a hawk is on the ground, the rooster does have an advantage. Many roosters have beaten hawks to a pulp once they landed in his turf. A hawk's advantage is his dive and the hit from above, the element of surprise.

 

[easttxchick]

Quote:
She is exactly right(as usual)! Kat knows her chicken stuff!

My rooster is a "cowboy"(love that term by the way), and I know he would give his little chicken life for his ladies, but he is basically a warning device for the rest of the flock.

Roosters are a wonderful addition to a flock, though.

 

[gritsar]

The day I knew that I would never have a flock without a rooster is the day I found my Thor standing guard in front of the girls, that he had herded into a thick stand of fig trees. He was standing in such a way that nothing could get at those hens without going through him first. The look on his face clearly said "C'mon! Make my day!"

 

[rancher hicks]

I notice Eric and Nick go crazy if there is something amiss, even if it's me. My DD came for a visit and couldn't collect the eggs cause Eric went nuts and she was afraid of him. I also notice that Eric won't eat the bread I throw but seems to be watching over the girls eating their's. What a guy! The hens seem to have less of a problem with each other too. Eric and Nick don't like chick fights.

 

[mikeksfarmer]

Friend I am like you. Enclosed pen , and chicken house. Also had a fox take out half my small flock. I am thinking; as long as I can hear him crowing then all is well. I have heard the alarm call and my roos are very young. I added a roo so I can replace my flock if I needed to, and to help in protection.