My dream flock and rooster woes

[krc]

I want about a dozen or so different hens (that number may go up by a few and it's a mix of blue and green egg layers), none will be bantam-sized and i do want a couple a brahma mamas. I have my heart set on a huge brahma rooster. I met one once and he kind of reminded me of a dog, they call them the "gentle giants" like mastiffs or something. Do most of you suggest keeping him away from the other hens? At what age--the hens--do you suggest i get him? I don't think i'd want all the other hen laying fertile eggs too my flock would get too large too fast. What are your ideas? Thanks for your time.

 

[DonyaQuick]

If the eggs are collected regularly so that a broody can’t sit on them and the flock kept track of daily so someone can’t sneak off to brood, then there’s no risk of surprise new chickens. Whether a big roo even tries to mate with small hens when more appropriately sized ones are there totally depends on the individuals. I used to have a 3.5lb hen who lived in a flock of much larger birds including two roosters and she was fine.

For the easiest first rooster experience, wait until your hens are a year old or at least full sized and then get a mature rooster (1yr+) whose personality is settled out. That way you know you’re getting a big chicken dog and not a big dangerous problem.

 

[FrostRanger]

Fertilized eggs won't hatch unless you or a broody hen broods them. Collect eggs regularly and it won't matter if the eggs are fertilized or not. If possible, I'd wait until the next year to add him so the flock can teach him manners while he grows up

 

[Birnenhof]

Hi! You should totally get chickens and a rooster. They are fun, help your garden (if you get the number/space right) and the eggs are a bonus!

2 things about the eggs.
1. A dozen hens will get you about 8 eggs a day. Every single day.
And you should collect them every single day unless you have a reason not to.
If you are unsure about how polluted your area is you should give it some thought before eating more than one now and again.
Truth be told, I just throw most away. On the weekends I make a giant omelet and feed it to the dogs, cats, chickens and pigs.

2. I have silkies and they go broody a lot (I mean a lot a lot) but even those won't stay so without a clutch of eggs to sit on.
There is nothing you have to do but take away the eggs.
She'll deal with it.
Please don't torture her with having to stand or dip her in water or anything like that. Just take the eggs away.

What kind of hens do you want?