Opinion needed: Do I need a Rooster for Free Ranging protection

[Stewzoo]

We have 5 acres out in the country and free range our flock during the day. I have always had a rooster. This year my number of roos to hens was too high. I had 4 roosters and 12 hens. . I adopted "pullets" late last fall and 3 of them turned out to be cockerls. Do I need a rooster at all for "protection" of the flock while free ranging. I don't want my hens to be all bald and scraggly the way they are now from having too many boys around, but I also do not know if they need a rooster for the watch dog factor when out free ranging. I would love to hear thoughts on this. Right now they are scheduled for butchering tomorrow.

 

[Lifetime chicken lover]

We usually have a roo for protection. The only time we've lost hens to predators was when we didn't have a roo. They sacrifice themselves if they cannot keep all of the girls safe otherwise. For the last three years we've gone through a rooster a year and only ever lost roosters. This year we didn't get a roo and lost 4 hens!! A rooster does a better job than our dog because he's always right there next to his ladies, keeping a very close eye. However, you're right, you can have too many roos! Poor girls will go bald! but 1-2 roos will be good enough for 12 hens. Pick your favorites and butcher the rest.

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

You want one rooster per 10-12 girls. Pick your favorite and keep one.

Now, that doesn't mean he'll protect them with his life--not all do, and I've never had a rooster jump in front of a hen when a predator is around. But a good rooster will keep watch and if there's trouble, he'll herd his flock to a safer location. Also, I've done it both ways and I think a flock is just calmer with a rooster around. A good rooster will keep the hens from fighting, he'll find them goodies, etc. If you don't keep a rooster, be prepared for a hen to try to take over that role. Sometimes those boss hens are much rougher on flock mates than a rooster would be.

Notice I said a *good* rooster. I've had roosters that were too rough mating and spurred hens and pulled out feathers from their heads, I've had rooster that ran for cover and to heck with those girls when a hawk flew over, and I've had roosters that shouldered hens aside to get to the good stuff. All of those went to freezer camp.

 

[chfite]

I believe a good rooster to watch out for a foraging flock is a good thing.

Chris