Is this a good idea? Roo question

[Chickens? WOW]

I went to my mothers work and talked to one of her friends that has maybe 25 chickens. (I do think it is sad I go to her work and find some other person to talk chickens with!) Anyway, this lady had found out she had 2 roosters that she does not want or need. She says that if I would like I could totally take one or both and see if I like them. If I find I don't want them I can eat them. I am just wondering if I should waste this time getting my mother to agree and if it is at all a good idea. I have 14, 17 week old hens and I was wondering if getting a rooster would upset the flock. If I don't like him I would totally just eat him, but I was thinking I might want one because my girls are always fighting over the pecking order business. Is this a good idea to "rent" one rooster? One is a rhode island red, another an austrolorp, is one of the breeds nicer than the other? I don't know how old they are... would age difference between the hens and roo be bad? Sorry I know nothing about roosters! Thanks!

 

[gryeyes]

Well, I wouldn't have a flock without a rooster, but I like listening to them. That's the first hurdle to overcome - they are noisy.

I'd go for the black Australorp before the RIR because the latter can be aggressive, but that doesn't mean he WILL be. BAs are a more laid back breed than RIRs.

Roosters settle hen squabbles. They also protect their flocks as best they can (for being a chicken) and will alert to predators, which will notify the hens they need to freeze in place or hide until the danger is gone. They look for goodies to share with their hens, and they can develop affectionate relationships with one or two special hens (although they will mate with them all).

Getting a mature rooster could avoid some of the adolescent and obnoxious behavior of a young one coming into sexual maturity. Young ones are sex-crazed and don't have their gentleman rooster style developed, but mature roosters know what to do and how to do it, generally.

Good luck! I hope you get to add a rooster to your flock!

 

[jasonm11]

IMHO just get one. Two will compete and wear out the hens.

 

[Chickens? WOW]

Thank you! I do love the noise, but I think my biggest hurdle is getting my parents to say yes!