Keeping Roosters

[BlueTannery]

My rooster was recently killed, I suspect it was something along the lines of a hawk or eagle.

I've been investigating potential fixes for the hawk issue - I've considered mechanical owls, fishing lines, netting, and the like.

But I'm also curious - should I get a replacement for my rooster? I'm thinking I will either way, just because I like having him around, but from a protection standpoint, is he very necessary?

 

[QueenMisha]

When it comes to hawks, I would say yes. My main pen is not covered and my rooster's warning calls are my main line of defense. If the hens can get to the bushes quicopy enough then there's not even any need for the rooster to try to physically protect them. Currently got about 10 roos in my big pen and the other day when I went up to the coop, a big old Peregrine Falcon flew off. All the ladies and even the turkeys where already hiding inside the coop or under the bushes, so clearly the boys were doing ther job. And maybe try a gamefowl? I've heard tell of Oriental gamefowl cocks attacking and even killing Hawks, and I can't say I'd be surprised if they did.

 

[Pork Pie]

Just another side of the coin so to speak, but i have not found my roos to be especially great defenders. I used to have them, but now prefer not to and the alpha hen seems to take the same role as a rooster. Its all a matter of experience and doing what you think is best - there are no hard and fast rules.

All the best

CT

 

[BlueTannery]

When it comes to hawks, I would say yes. My main pen is not covered and my rooster's warning calls are my main line of defense. If the hens can get to the bushes quicopy enough then there's not even any need for the rooster to try to physically protect them. Currently got about 10 roos in my big pen and the other day when I went up to the coop, a big old Peregrine Falcon flew off. All the ladies and even the turkeys where already hiding inside the coop or under the bushes, so clearly the boys were doing ther job. And maybe try a gamefowl? I've heard tell of Oriental gamefowl cocks attacking and even killing Hawks, and I can't say I'd be surprised if they did.

Sounds intriguing - definitely a possibility to investigate.
I'll get a new rooster, confirmed, I just need to find get him as soon as possible.

Are there other ways I can deter predators? Since my rooster was killed, I suspect I'm up against something big and mean. Something like mechanical owls, glow-in-the-dark fishing nets, I've been told many things. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks so much

 

[BlueTannery]

Just another side of the coin so to speak, but i have not found my roos to be especially great defenders. I used to have them, but now prefer not to and the alpha hen seems to take the same role as a rooster. Its all a matter of experience and doing what you think is best - there are no hard and fast rules.

All the best

CT

Hmmmmmmm

 

[MistyMountain]

We lost our big mean Silver Laced Wyandotte rooster to a dog attack this past summer. He was an amazing deterrent. Mean as can be, but if you put your hand on his back (and he would let you) he would wimp out for a bit.

We have, on several occasions, watched him out in the field fight off hawks. He would send the girls to safety and stand in the open with his chest puffed out and eyes to the sky. The hawk would dive and he would jump up and flog him. Amazing thing to watch. I knew one day he would lose the battle, but I always felt comfortable with the girls ranging on Willie's watch. Never would have thought a dog would take him out. I can tell you he put up a fight though, his feathers were strewn across 200 yards before we found him. Definitely one we won't forget.

You just need to find the right rooster. It is their job to sacrifice themselves for the hens, among other things.

 

[luvmychixandducks]

If you can, definitely replace your roo.
Not only will you have a flock protector, you can retire your alarm clock, and a good roo will police his ladies and they are much less likely to pick at each other with himself there to maintain order.
Unfortunately I hatched some babies and since they were mixed breeds, I could not immediately determine sex, so I waited for them to mature and either crow or lay.
The plan was if they lay they stay and if they crow they go - but since they lived out behind my barn and were closer to neighbors than to me,
I got reported to zoning for having roos and ended up losing everything to zoning enforcement.
Bummer !