I need a rooster!

[JacinLarkwell]

If a rooster is busy attacking his food and water source, he ain't looking for real predators. Besides, all he'll possibly do if he does 'protect' is be the first to get killed

Oh no, they will most definitely protect. Why do you think people have issues with roo's attacking them? They are trying to protect their flock!

 

[I-Love-Pallets]

Hmm. What breeds are you considering? Honestly, the bigger the better for a good crow

The one I really like is an Americana.

 

[I-Love-Pallets]

If you do get one, may I suggest a long quarantine period?

I figured I’d keep him in our garden shed for a few nights at least and let him out in the yard during the day with the hens. How long of a quarantine do you suggest?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I figured I’d keep him in our garden shed for a few nights at least and let him out in the yard during the day with the hens. How long of a quarantine do you suggest?

30 days minimum. Longer if you don't actually know the source of the bird, like one from craigslist

 

[Idaho Chicken Bungalow]

There was a recent outbreak of Avian Flu, if my mind is correct it was in the midwestish. Google for recent outbreak in your area. It's not worth losing your flock!

 

[Geena]

I have a flock of 11 hens from 3 to 3 1/2 months old, and I want to add a rooster. I’ve found a couple on Craigslist, one is 4 months old and the other is 6 months old. Would either of these be okay to integrate? Also, any pointers on how to do so would be welcomed.

I suggest you wait until your girls are older and laying. At 4 to 6 months old a cockerel is most likely going to be rip roaring to go and your pullets are not of breeding age yet. Or get one now and keep him separate for a couple of months before introducing them. You'll want to quarantine him for 3 or 4 weeks anyway.

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

The one I really like is an Americana.

I have an Americana roo! He is lovely and had a beautiful crow! Definitely would suggest one!

 

[_-Captain BRM-_]

Besides, all he'll possibly do if he does 'protect' is be the first to get killed

Exactly. But that will give the hens time to escape and hopefully he could at least injure the predator. God didn't make those things just to fertilize eggs, they are the protecters as well.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Exactly. But that will give the hens time to escape and hopefully he could at least injure the predator. God didn't make those things just to fertilize eggs, they are the protecters as well.

That have been bred now away from natural selection. If you could get a jungle fowl rooster, then yeah, or would probably do well. But just any rooster from a flock likely isn't going to be much use

 

[Pampered chicken girl]

For a crow and nice temperament, I really suggest silkies, my boy has a beautiful non squeaky crow! For flock protection a bigger breed, to big for a hawk....maybe a brahma or jersey giant.....I have never owned them so I don't really know. I have heard of a barnevelder rooster dieing protecting his hens. They are handsome too! @AmeraucanaHank has Barnevelders....I am not spelling it right am I?