Is a "rooster hen" just as good as a rooster?

[GimmeCake]

I've heard of people who don't have roosters and all of a sudden the lead hen starts acting exactly like a rooster, as if it was really was a rooster. So in the case that that happens, is it just as good as having a actual rooster?

 

[Mrs. K]

No..... most people keep roosters for chicks and for protection. If your hens spend most of the time in the coop/run, the need for protection is much less. In that case, a head hen is probably enough.

But if you free range, then a good rooster will give more protection than a hen. They are much taller and can see farther, and they pay more attention. They keep the flock together. When I have a good rooster, I have none to almost none day time predator losses, without a good roo, I have lost many a hen over the years in broad daylight.

I do have hens that are more aware, and those are seldom eaten by a predator, but they do nothing for the less aware hens in the flock. It is more of each to her own.

Mrs K

 

[Studio2770]

We gave away our cockerel, but it seems one of our pullets is "maning up." She had the largest comb. I read that protector hens usually crow, cease laying, and may grow spurs. You can tell which one she is.