Is a rooster a good choice for me? updated with pictures!!!

[yomama]

I have 4 hens right now. I have no desire to hatch any babies, because I don't want to chance getting roosters. They do free range during the day. My neighbors have too many roosters, and due to them fighting, plan to take them to auction tomorrow.

They have offered me my pick if I would like one. My question is, although I know that he would probabley protect the girls while they are out free ranging, should I really get him? I was planning on possibly getting a duckling and a few more chicks (girls only) come spring or summer. Would I have to worry about him being any more mean to the new duck and chicks, then I would from the 4 hens, (providing I follow the correct protocal of introducing them)? Most of their roosters seem quite docile to people, the many times I have been over their to take care of them. They have been fighting with each other, though. Also, would I need to quarantine the new rooster, and what kind of protocal should I follow in regards to introducing it to the girls, if I do get one? I know that most of their roosters were probably hatched from their own chickens, so not sure they have received any vaccines, and I doubt they worm them. I don't want to jump into anything that I may regret, since I kind of already have so much on my plate already. It doesn't help that my level headed husband ISN'T talking me out of it. Any advice would be great.
Thanks!

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

If you have young children I would NOT do it. And if you don't plan on hatching chicks there is really no need. And if you do get a roo, you will have chickens with bare backs also

Usually they pick one or two favs and breed them A LOT. I have tried and tried to add roos with no luck. Always ended up getting rid of them and that is hard too

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

Another thing you can consider if you really want a roo, is adding an adult bantam rooster

Those get the job done but they are not near as nasty. I love my bantam roos...all are VERY sweet and follow me around the yard

 

[Kittymomma]

I really like my roos and even though I have too many I haven't had any aggresion issues. A good roo will alert the flock to danger and keep the hens from too much fighting amongst themselves. I think they're beautifull and like the crowing too. One roo with four hens could be ok, but do watch out for overbreeding and bare backs. If you have the choice get one that is a year old or more--any people aggresion should be apparent by that age and he won't be as rough on the hens as a randy teenager. Oh yeah, in my experience here the roos are way nicer to the newbies then the hens are so I wouldn't worry too much about that part of it.

 

[teach1rusl]

I've debated the same thing for my five girls. Since your DH isn't protesting, maybe he wants a roo (my DH definitely wants one). We are going to try one, but he knows that the rooster will have to go if my girls are treated too roughly, or if there is any aggression issues w/us. Consider age of the roo, whether it's a more docile breed, etc. And yes, it would be better to quarantine him for a while. I'm going to section off a place in my current run so that he/my hens can see one another for a while before they're actually thrown in together. I have a little "bachelor coop" ready to go... Good luck with your decision!

 

[tdgill]

I have 2 roosters with 2 hens each. Not what I planned, but so far we are managing quite well (knock on wood). I started out just wanting hens and fell in love with my roosters. I love watching the boys look after their girls.

I made saddles for the girls (no sewing) and take turns letting one set free range with their fella, while the other set is in the coop separated from their fella, but in the coop I keep them right in view of each other and fed together along the chicken wire divider so they can be as close as they would be if they were free ranging.

I do a bit of juggling, but I don't mind the extra effort. I'm thinking of making a tractor for each set, with a roo area in it thats separated from the girls. Or putting the girls in a tractor and letting a roo free range around them. I like to let the roos feel that they still are in charge of the girls....meaning, I would NOT keep the roo in the tractor and let the girls free range. He would be too anxious and nervous for them I think.

And then of course, I am always thinking about just getting more hens to keep the boys busy lol.

I would find out how tame they are, and see if you can resist one. I ADORE my roosters. They are sooooo cute with their girls! I like to give the roos the treats and they give it to their girls. They get soooo excited to share a special yummy treat. It sounds like crowing isnt an issue since you have many roosters next door anyway. And if you change your mind, maybe they can take it to auction at a later time? If you haven't witnessed a roo and a hen, be prepared to be sympathetic towards your girls. Its hard to watch at first, but they learn to submit and it gets better.

good luck!

 

[RockyPhoenix]

if u want one that wont "breed" with ur hens definitely go for a bantam roo...mine dont breed but are good protectors of the flock

 

[yomama]

tried to delete post so I could repost this with new heading. Guess you're not able to do that.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

You can just go to your main post and click on edit and change your title from there.

 

[silkydragon]

either my roos are the best roos ever or it takes alot to get bare backed hens i have 5roosters housed with 12 hens i also have some silky chicks which i cant tell gender yet i tossed the babys in becouse they where fighting too much and the roos straightend them out now they dont fight at all. all my chickens free range together no problems the roosters will peck and call hens to tasty treats and alert them to danger and if something dos go after a hen dispite the roosters warning he will attack it including my dog which just plays with the chickens dosnt bite just like lunges toward them and runs away then the rooster comes and she stops(15pund br is 1 of my roos just so you know they are big)