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Lulaurue

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Hi. I’m planning on getting some baby chicks this spring. I’ve never had chickens. I want them to be pets, not just egg layers. My first question is if I should also have a rooster. Do they protect the flock? Is their disposition very different from hens? I’m still very ignorant so please excuse me if my question is stupid.
 
Welcome to BYC! Don't get a rooster unless you want fertile eggs for hatching. They can be very aggressive and don't usually protect the hens very well. They will if you get a good one, but good ones don't come along often. Enjoy you're time here and feel free to ask any questions!
 
Hi and welcome to BYC. No question is stupid - they will alarm-call but in my experience not be any more effective than the alpha hen. They can be a pita so I’d suggest holding off on a rooster for a while. The links below may help.
Best wishes

Pork Pie
 
Hello, and welcome! Glad that you joined! Good luck with the new flock that you will be starting! Since you are a beginner, I would hold off on getting a rooster, at least for now. You can always get one later if you wanted to, but get used to your girl's and how to care for them first.
 
Hello there and welcome to BYC! :frow

Roosters are more alarms than they are protectors. Not that they won't stand their ground to protect the flock, they can only do so much to prevent losses and many times they end up dying in the process. Roosters can be more work than they are worth, especially if they turn aggressive which they can. You are better off with electric fences, big runs or even a llama. Llamas have been known to be wonderful flock protectors.

Good luck and welcome to our community! :-)
 
Welcome to Backyard Chickens! 🐔

Feel free to drop in and share your flock

Updates for 2020 with us here in my 2020 flock life thread



https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/2020-flock-life.1351080/

3416E83E-A9CA-439B-8984-9690378B8511.jpeg


you don’t need a rooster unless you want fertile eggs. 🐣
It’s nice to meet you!
 

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