How much protection do Roosters offer against hawks?

[roostersandhens]

Roosters are pretty tough when it comes to defending the hens. My little 5 pound rooster I used to have fought off a hawk, and he was pretty small. And my 7.5 pound rooster saw a hawk land near the chicken coop and rushed all the hens into the barn. Then he went outside and just made himself look big and did a scary cry and the hawk was out of there. I was very proud of him. So I would say they offer a lot of protection, I don't let my hens free-range without a rooster.

 

[AmericanMom]

Roosters are pretty tough when it comes to defending the hens. My little 5 pound rooster I used to have fought off a hawk, and he was pretty small. And my 7.5 pound rooster saw a hawk land near the chicken coop and rushed all the hens into the barn. Then he went outside and just made himself look big and did a scary cry and the hawk was out of there. I was very proud of him. So I would say they offer a lot of protection, I don't let my hens free-range without a rooster.

I would completely agree... It seems since we got chicks we have seen a lot more hawks hanging around, of course the chicks are secure and cant be gotten too and our two roosters do very well in warning and protecting the hens, but one of the chicks we got is a Jersey Giant rooster...got him purposely because we have heard they are so big and a really good defender of the hens.. we don't have any other predators in our area thank goodness.

 

[4 the Birds]

A Rooster can be very nice to have! Our alpha rooster stayed and fought a dog that my sister-in-law let into the free range area by mistake. He just lost alot feathers but they have grown back. The rooster will sound the alarm and give the girls time to take cover by offer himself up for battle. The only problem with rooster are if you have several then conflicts are inevitable. We have 3 roosters with a flock of 30 hens and the roosters often scrap to establish a pecking order.

 

[moetrout]

Quote:
I would get the rooster, but know this......you can't really control if they are going to be a nice rooster or not. I finally have a nice one, but I have 4 others prior that were not. Mean roosters are no fun to have around. At some point you may have to make a decision on what to do with a nasty roo. I have eaten a couple and have given a couple away. I currently have 2 roos, a polish and a silkie and they get along together fine. Neither one goes on the attack with humans.

 

[Faraday40]

Are 8 week old chicks/pullets good hawk targets? We currently have 1 rooster - far at least a couple more weeks. So far the chicks have always been in a covered tractor during day & the garage at night. They will be moved into the big coop tonight with the rest of the chickens. The flock free ranges in one group, but I'm sure the 8 week olds will shy away from the bigger hens & rooster. I have two 8 week old cockerels mixed in with the pullets. Not sure if they'll be helpful.