My first flock

[fivesolas]

Good morning -

I am told by some I should introduce a rooster. I think that's a good idea too, but I don't want to breed just yet. I have 9 leghorn pullets right now in a brooder (about to enlarge that and move them to the garage for more room). They seem to me to be around 2-3 weeks old at this point. My coop should be arriving soon (I spend way too much money, but I love this coop and run..it's the big Producer's Price canopy one from TS).

Thoughts on a rooster for hen bliss and predator help? This coop and pen is quite large. I will be adding hardwire cloth around the whole coop base and burying it 12 inches deep. This should better protect our girls.

I am mainly concerned about adding a rooster as right now I just want these egg layers until our family is in a good groove with the flock before facing reproduction. Is there any rooster that could do the job they do without making more chickens?

Thanks!
Geoff

 

[Frazzemrat1]

You don't need a rooster unless your planning to breed, so he's unnecessary.

Is this the coop you're getting?
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/producers-pride-welded-wire-canopy-coop-gc001
Not bad. I wouldn't put any more than what you have in there, and I think it will be a tight fit. What's the material its made out of? I can't tell if its plastic or wood.

 

[fivesolas]

You don't need a rooster unless your planning to breed, so he's unnecessary.

Is this the coop you're getting?
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/producers-pride-welded-wire-canopy-coop-gc001
Not bad. I wouldn't put any more than what you have in there, and I think it will be a tight fit. What's the material its made out of? I can't tell if its plastic or wood.

That's the one. The coop is solid wood. The pen is welded wire. My intention is for this to house them and allow them to free range as well (hopefully).

 

[Frazzemrat1]

That's the one. The coop is solid wood. The pen is welded wire. My intention is for this to house them and allow them to free range as well (hopefully).

Any prefabbed coop from TSC or where ever, is always going to say it holds 2-4 times what it actually can hold. I think that what you have is going to be a tight fit in that coop. Also, the materials for the coop tend to be substandard. I'd keep an eye on it, as it weathers so you can reinforce it.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Thoughts on a rooster for hen bliss and predator help?

Most people would say NOT having a rooster is best for hen bliss.

Since these are your first chickens I would start off without a rooster, and once you feel you're ready to expand the flock with some babies, get a bigger coop and then add a roo. There's always people looking to rehome males so getting one shouldn't be an issue.

 

[fivesolas]

Here are the ladies.

 

[Folly's place]

Consider getting cockerels next year, with some more pullets (CHICKEN MATH!!!) and a larger coop, and then keep maybe one cockerel out of the group. Your hens will help 'civilize' him, a very good thing.
Mary