Keeping a rooster

[Want Less]

We have 6 chicks that are just over 5 weeks old (3 RIR and 3 black sex links). We have built a chicken tractor for them to live in, which is the "A frame" design so it is a big triangle. The floor area of the coop portion is roughly 6ft x 10ft and 5ft at the center; the henhouse is roughly 4ft x 4ft and roughly 3 1/2 to 4 ft tall in the center, with an additional overhanging space in the rear to hold the nesting boxes.

We had built this with the intention of housing 6 laying hens, but now we are fairly certain we have a rooster in the mix. We are undecided on keeping the rooster since we we're NOT planning on hatching eggs but we've been told that as long as we gather the eggs daily then it won't matter if they are fertilized or not. We live in a very rural area and crowing isn't necessarily going to be an issue.

So, if we decide to keep the rooster, is it going to be safe to keep him in the chicken tractor of the size we have built? Or do they require more space because they can be aggressive? Anything else we need to consider?

Any other info/tips on keeping a rooster would be appreciated!

 

[rooster0209]

Roosters can be aggressive and they can be nice. I had an agressive one (aggressive to me). I currently have a very nice rooster who has no aggression issues, with me or the hens. He is coming on 3yrs of age.

I pick fertilized eggs everyday. There aren't any problems eating fertilized eggs.

I don't think you will encounter any issues with space raising the rooster along with your hens...if you want to keep the rooster. I like hearing a rooster crow around the farm.

 

[MareeZoCool]

Personally, I like looking at roosters and seeing how they control the hens. My roo will get the girls into safety by dusk. Saves me from chasing chickens!

 

[A.T. Hagan]

In a tractor situation I favor not keeping a rooster, especially if you're not wanting to hatch your own. My birds all come in on their own without a cockbird. In a free-range situation where they'll always be out then a good rooster can be an asset. In a confinement situation he's mostly a liability.

.....Alan.

 

[Momma_Cluck]

I prefer the rooster, otherwise, usually a hen will become dominant-- stop laying, and even start to crow!!
Besides-- if you are around them all the time, and hand feed em treats from a young age, even Roo's are nice! I have 11 that free range with 22 gals, no fights, and NEVER had a meanie!!!