How will having a rooster affect egg laying?

[HopePeaceChickens:)]

Hi
I have 5 hens at the moment, and 6 more on the way

But Ive been wondering about getting a rooster for a while. We live out in the country so the crowing wont be a problem with neighboors, but how does having a rooster affect egg laying? (I know almost nothing about roosters by the way) How can you tell if the eggs are fertile or not?
Thanks

 

[sumi]

The eggs will be fertile if the rooster is doing his job, but otherwise he wouldn't affect egg laying. If you break the egg open, look for a little white "bullseye" on the yolk, that means the egg is fertile. Roosters do more than that though. A good rooster will look after the hens (and chicks if they hatch any), he'll keep an eye out for predators and warn the hens if he spots one and some roosters even attack them and chase them off.

 

[bluegiantsc]

My rooster is a great rooster. I think he stays awake a lot of the night looking out for the hen, and when we did have a predator problem he is the one who got attacked and the hen ran off. So I think he put himself in harms way to protect her.
You just have to watch out because sometimes they can be aggressive. I know mine is, he isn't as bad because I've been working with him. But you just have to make sure you're on the top of the pecking order!
Plus if you get a rooster, you'll have fertile eggs and you could have babies! Its very exciting to have baby chicks!

 

[chfite]

I enjoy watching the interaction of the rooster with the 9 hens I have. Mating notwithstanding, his watching, herding, and feeding them is a novel chapter in how animals behave.

Chris

 

[HopePeaceChickens:)]

Thanks guys the info is great

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

If you are looking for docile large fowl rooster research Orpingtons and Brahmas. Very docile with humans and pet animals. I have an Orpington Cockerel. We can pick him up without too much objection to inspect his body. Doesn't attack my dog or cats. He watches them and places himself between them and my pullets, but has not attacked. He does chase off bluejays and other birds. Warns of hawks and turkey vultures circling overhead. Calls the girls over when he finds hidden treats in the yard. If you can have a roo and want one maybe then get one. If he doesn't work out, he can always be sent to freezer camp.