Lost my rooster.....

[juliejohnson805]

Our beloved rooster, Chicken Fries, has disappeared. It has been 2 days since we have seen him. They free range during the day and are locked up at night. They only predators we have seen are rat snakes (summer time) and possums. When husband went to let them out the other morning he was not there. We have found no feathers or evidence of anything happening to him. It is just like he vanished into thin air. Thoughts?

Next question will be how to I introduce a new roo to flock? My first thought is too order a few cockerels when I order my 'eating' chickens in spring and see which one does the best with my current girls.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

I sure hope you find your rooster soon.

 

[juliejohnson805]

I'm fairly new to this and have never lost one like this. Do they sometimes go on vacation and then come home?

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

Only if they’ve been scared into hiding. I’ll tag some people who can help. @lazy gardener @Folly's place @chickens really @drumstick diva

 

[bobbi-j]

I'm fairly new to this and have never lost one like this. Do they sometimes go on vacation and then come home?

Not likely. It's possible that he got taken by a coyote, fox or dog. Could be he was trying to protect the hens.

If you plan on integrating a cockerel or rooster into your flock, read up on integration, and make sure you have lots of room to do so. If he's young, don't expect him to be "in charge" anytime soon. He needs to mature and earn their respect.

Take care in having too many cockerels/roosters with your hens. Once they are breeding age, they could run the girls ragged. I would consider a bachelor pen, keeping the prospects until I could determine personality, and what other physical aspects I was looking for in a rooster. What are your flock goals? Do you want to raise your own chicks? (If not, you really don't need a rooster) If so, do you want layers, meat birds, dual purpose birds? These are all things to consider before adding a rooster to your flock.

 

[sourhernoldie]

If he was there when you locked them up and gone when you let them out I have a question for you. Do you live close to other people because that would be the only answer to that dilemma.
If he was outside Hawks are great chicken eaters I have lost several to them especially Bantams.

 

[juliejohnson805]

(If not, you really don't need a rooster) If so, do you want layers, meat birds, dual purpose birds? These are all things to consider before adding a rooster to your flock.[/QUOTE]

I might eventually raise my own chicks. I liked having a rooster to protect my hens while they free range. Will I not need one for that?

 

[bobbi-j]

(If not, you really don't need a rooster) If so, do you want layers, meat birds, dual purpose birds? These are all things to consider before adding a rooster to your flock.

I might eventually raise my own chicks. I liked having a rooster to protect my hens while they free range. Will I not need one for that?[/QUOTE]
As you have noticed, a rooster's protection can only go so far. Once he's given his life, you're out the rooster. I have read where roosters will fend off a hawk, but they're no match for anything canine, raccoons, or other larger predators. They can be a good alarm system, but a dominant hen can also take that role if there is no rooster. Personally, I like having a rooster around.

Along with the rooster, there are other ways to protect the flock. Are you free ranging? Plenty of cover will help them hide if a bird of prey is spotted. If they're in a coop/run, make sure you've covered all your bases as far as predator protection. Use 1/2" hardware cloth, make sure there are no gaps a critter can reach or crawl in through.

 

[Didi84]

My hens are free range they don't protection they are pretty fisty themselves

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

Some people steal roosters and leave no evidence that anything was even near, but I don't think anybody would want to steal a rooster. I had a hen who disappeared without a trace a few years ago. Was your rooster sick or not seeming himself? It could be possible that he wandered off somewhere and died. Is there any water sources around? He may have drowned. Also, travel around. Chickens can start free ranging and wander too far. I had a couple of roosters that was traveling far away from my place. Is there anybody with other chickens that you know of within a mile away? Someone may have thought someone abandoned your rooster and rescued him. I've seen BRs be wanderers. Ask some of your neighbours if they've seen any roosters running around.
Hope you have good luck with your new roosters, an if you ever see your other rooster, again, hope he doesn't get too jealous.