Pros and Cons of Roosters

[Tashna]

Bad: Your cockerel might go through a hormonal idiot stage as he grows up. He might not outgrow it.
Ugly: He might terrorize the pullets by wanting to mate ALL THE TIME to the point that they will hide anywhere they can get away from his unwanted attentions.
Good: He may grow to be a total gentleman, taking care of his ladies. He may sire wonderful, healthy chicks. He might be the most beautiful chicken in your flock.
Toss-up: He might crow a lot. You might like this. Your neighbors might not.
Another toss-up: he will eat a lot of food and not give you any eggs (if that's the main reason why you have chickens).

The only reason you NEED a rooster is to have fertile eggs to hatch chicks.

Although there are indeed a lot of "cons" to keeping roosters, I have always been quite fond of mine and, for the most part, they have been perfect gentlemen. Because my chickens are free range, I value the roosters also because they protect their girls and will even sacrifice their lives for them. Yes, I have had some rough patches but I would never consider having a flock without at least one rooster. The operative situation here, however, may be free-range vs. caged.

 

[BonnieBlue]

This has been a wonderfully informative thread. I know for sure that now is not the time for me to have a rooster. At some point, probably, but not now.

 

[Three Stents]

It's been 2 months today, since I brought home 4 hens and I still do not want/need a rooster..

 

[McChooky]

My advise is research different breeds before selecting a rooster (Rhode Island reds have a reputation for being aggressive)I also prefer to raise a couple cockerels from chicks and select the best one around a year old .The best roosters are raised by broody hens in established flocks! The smart ones learn to respect their caretakers