How will wiping out my rooster change the dynamics of the flock?

[Omran]

Don't worry about the hens, they will not even notice that mr.rooster is gone, I did that two times so far and infact they look happier and eating better without a rooster, I got a new rooster now and I need him only to fertile some eggs for me, but if he start to get agressive then he will end on my table for dinner like others.

Hawks and other preditors will get what they want with or without the rooster, that is what I belive only.
I think a traind dog will be the best protector for any Flock.

Wish you best of luck.

Omran.

 

[WriterofWords]

My roosters are GREAT in protecting the hens in times of attack. They've run off Roadrunners, hawks, owls, dogs, cats, and they make such violent and loud noises it brings me running!

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
That is soooo true! If I'm in the house and hear regular chicken noises, even the egg songs I pay no mind. If I hear one of my roosters sound the alarm, I'm out there in a heartbeat!

 

[legacyln]

And, I love listening to a rooster find a special treat and call his ladies over to give it to them.

I agree-- I miss all the little rooster dramas since we "re-homed" Raisin Rooster.... re-homed him to our stomach, that is.

He was my favorite and a really sweet guy until the hormones kicked in. He began flogging my kids, who are 2 and 4 and pretty defenseless and vulnerable. Since having an aggressive animal on the place was unacceptable, I decided it would be a good family lesson about where our food comes from to butcher the roo and we had him for dinner one night. PS It was the first animal I've ever killed and eaten and I was proud but a bit grossed out.

Raisin had been rough on the girls and actually tore the comb on the hen who was lowest in the pecking order. After he was gone the girls have all been more relaxed and the RIR red emerged as the leader, and a much nicer leader I might add.​

 

[crait]

I would wait it out.
In the meantime, however, keep your children and little pets away from the rooster.
If he settles down, he'll be a great addition to your flock. He'll protect your hens and lead them how he is naturally supposed to.

 

[legacyln]

PS I might have waited it out and tried some of the dominance techniques discussed here if it weren't for the fact that my kids are so young. We're going to try again w/a roo in the future when they're bigger and able to participate in teaching a rooster who is boss because we did enjoy the non-aggressive aspects of having a roo.

 

[magikchick]

Every roo is different. I rehomed my first one but hatched out some of his eggs first. I picked out a new roo and he is such a love. It took a while before the hens respected him. He is almost a year old now and I wouldn't take anything for him.