Just how useful is a rooster anyway?

[Shadrach]

Wow, sometimes I think our members here are a little harsh. Probably could have phrased this a little gentler. We’re not all experts here and come when we’re seekin advice and help, not to be shamed and made to feel bad.

I do hope you read this post before you posted the above.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...a-rooster-anyway.1292139/page-4#post-20987155

 

[SueT]

Another thing roosters are good for---their musical ability! If you enjoy the sound of roosters crowing, and would like to share yours, there is currently a rooster crowing contest,
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ooster-crowing-show-ends-on-the-28th.1291432/
They only have 8 entries, I hope they get more!
It's really interesting to hear how different they all are.....

 

[ElainesChickens]

Hello! So, I do have something to add about roosters. My frist two chickens that were mine were rescued roosters from a "cock fighting" future. I believe it also deeps on the personality of the rooster and your choice on wither he's a value asset as a rooster or a roast. Albert, (I have no idea what breed he was mixed with) was a timided soul who was scared of every thing. And was NO fighter. Though, on the other hand Mike ( Rhode island red mix hybrid) was a cocky little brat who would try and pick fights with my dog. Who was 60lbs border Callie mix. And now days would defend his hens from anyone. He also would defend me. He is a defender, doesn't over bother the lady's, and does what he is ment to do... Protect the hens! And let's me know if there's something I should know about going on in the yard... Even though sometimes it's just crows or falling leaves.

Not that all roosters protect. Not all roosters are cocky. And not all of them are useful. Mike and Albert we're rescued alittle just before they had the ability to crow.. and didn't know hens till later.

To me, a rooster is surposed to do two things. Protect flock or alert to something attacking the flock, and breeding. Though mines more like a pet. He is a great example to why I love roosters. He's protective nature, and his stubborn cockyness is priceless. Even though most people are afread of him. Now, Albert on the other hand would run for his life.
If you want a rooster for protecting the flock like that. It might depend on breed and personality. But a dog and a rooster is great extra protection against fox, other dogs, snakes,..
And I love the sound of a crow in the morning. Makes me know they are all alive and well. So I deal with the rudeness interruption of sleep when he sees the sun. Or when he hears something at like 5am. Anyways, I will always have a rooster around.

 

[crowzzz]

I agree, I have no use for a rooster. Fertile eggs are not any better than non fertile and a rooster is just a noisy eater that rapes my hens.

 

[dashman1319]

I agree, I have no use for a rooster. Fertile eggs are not any better than non fertile and a rooster is just a noisy eater that rapes my hens.

Well, that does seem a bit harsh on the roosters. If there's anything I've learned from this thread it's that despite my best efforts it's hard not to anthropomorphize these birds. Chicken sex is definitely not romantic to look at, but I think some of the problems I don't have (especially hen-on-hen violence) may be due to the rooster. Careful observation also does show that the rooster is a vigilant guard for the flock. I was hesitant about free ranging but once I saw how happy it made the birds I was sold. But we live in the woods and have all sorts of predators around, and this has been the only time I've seen one come at the flock. It does make me think he keeps the girls under cover if harm is around and maybe even deters aerial predators since he's about twice the size of our hens.

Lots of interesting thoughts in this thread. I didn't expect it to get so big!

 

[Alexandra33]

Late to the party....

Avid rooster lover that I am, I truly don't derive much practical value from my boys. Not only are we unable to hatch, but none jump to protect their ladies, as is common belief.

Joy can be found in a rooster's sheer beauty, his resounding crow, fascinating antics, and ability to become loyal pets. These alone prove value in my eyes.

~Alex

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

I've had several roosters, but none as wonderful as my last flock roo, a New Hampshire/Brown Leghorn mix. He kept all the ladies out of trouble, ensured high fertility rates in eggs, and was, sadly, taken by a fox.

He was always respectful of us, never aggressive, and the respect was mutual...he was handsome and hard-working. Because of him, I'll likely always have roosters in the hope they'll run a flock like he did.

 

[Shorty22366]

Are Silkies Roo's ever aggressive toward their keepers?

Yes they can be hateful little turds.

 

[diamondsilkies]

We have a flock of red tailed hawks that nest in our neighborhood. They generally keep a block or two away, but sometimes come visit my chickens. If they are free ranging, and the hawks swoop by, my roosters will send a warning call out. All the chickens, roosters and hens both, will run to cover.
They are strangely defensive when it comes to wild doves. If they fly over, the roosters will make a call that I've decided means: "don't run yet, but know that something's up". I've also watched them run at doves that land in the yard.
My roosters are all silkies or seramas, and are as gentle as they come, but very protective of their girls. They each have their own little group of hens. If another rooster tries to mate with their hen, they will challenge him and chase him off.

 

[CannedMonster]

We have a flock of red tailed hawks that nest in our neighborhood. They generally keep a block or two away, but sometimes come visit my chickens. If they are free ranging, and the hawks swoop by, my roosters will send a warning call out. All the chickens, roosters and hens both, will run to cover.
They are strangely defensive when it comes to wild doves. If they fly over, the roosters will make a call that I've decided means: "don't run yet, but know that something's up". I've also watched them run at doves that land in the yard.
My roosters are all silkies or seramas, and are as gentle as they come, but very protective of their girls. They each have their own little group of hens. If another rooster tries to mate with their hen, they will challenge him and chase him off.

How many hens do each of your little guys have?