Sorry all I was not trying to say ya'll only hatch for showing. In fact I know you hatch for different reasons as I do ready you posts (as many as possible anyway). I was merely trying to say I would be interested to begin with in replenishing my flock =)
I wont keep a rooster out of courtesy to my neighbored and DH. So I know I can order eggs but can I also borrow "rent" a rooster? just to get some fertil eggs?
There are roosters that are quieter than others. And they crow a lot less if you only have ONE....two or more crow to each other.
I doubt that many people would be interested in "loaning" a rooster....bio-security, ya know. BUT, you could get one free from someone and then give it away after you have made sure your eggs are now fertile. They will remain fertile for approximately a month after the rooster's departure. That should give you plenty of time to collect the ones you want to hatch. If you choose to get an incubator (as opposed to waiting for a broody hen) you could put in a test hatch after a week of owning the roo and know about 3 weeks after you put the rooster with the flock if they job is gettng one by candleing the test eggs. If they ARE fertile put the add on CL to get rid of the roo....own it less than 2 months, have fertile eggs for 3 months. I am sure your neighbor and DH can use ear plugs for 2 months if the noise bothers them. (And actually rooster's crowing is kinda nice to hear)