Pro's & Con's of having 1 rooster w/14 hens?

[Shifty Joe]

I think everyone should try having a Roo if they can... Roosters will cause you the greatest amount of pain BUT they are the ultimate law bringers to your flock. They keep hens happy and in line, you get eggs for hatching, they tend to be the sharpest looking bird in the flock, and if something starts messing with the hens they are only to happy to become cannon fodder. The thing to keep in mind with Roosters is they are not your friend and you will have to ensure the Rooster knows your in charge (time and time again). Still worth it in my option.

 

[Bantimna]

Pro's:
If you want unfertilized eggs then no roo needed
You don't want crowing the whole day and night long
You won't need to witness the chicken breeding dance

No need to worry about not getting eggs- your hens will lay without a roo

Con's
Roo's could be the looker outers for your flock
If you have a broody you'll have from your own chicks
Roo's can be adorablely sweet and loving to their hens
The older a rooster gets the fertility level drops and he might not be able to service 14 hens or more when he gets to the age 4-6 if he lives that long- it also dpends on breed.

I personally favor roo's, to be in my flock.
But it depends on your situation and if you can't break a broody then you will have little fuzzy buggers on two legs running around the place.
So it's your choice.

Regards
Sibone

ETA: I forgot something

 

[gritsar]

My two top hens just can't get along, even after two years of living together. The fights they get in would put roosters to shame. Each and every time they fight, my rooster comes running from wherever he's foraging and puts a stop to their fighting real quick and he scolds the hen that starts it. I've also seen him round the girls up into a safe place during a hawk visit. I won't not have a roo.
By the way my roo rarely crows. Morning announcements and his guard dog duty (crowing when someone drives up) is about it for him.

 

[theron]

Quote:
I have the same thing. An EE with crooked toes. The hens are always willing to let him mate with them. He is a very sweet roo. And I only have four girls with him. His name is Big Bird. I would never get rid of him ever.
P.S. instead of wyandottes following him, it is a pair of non bearded silkie hens

 

[mymenagerie]

I've owned chickens for a year, been a forum fan for a while, but new to posting... intimidated by the wealth of knowledge, not sure I had anything to contribute!!

Your babies are adorable

And as far as roos are concerned I LOVE my beautiful big Buff O rooster, he's a little heavy handed with the girls, but incredibly protective. He, after a few minor altercations with me, is now respectful, even gentle with us. Thank Goodness! The only comment I can make about your little flock is to keep a special eye out with your polish. My mixed flock got along really well for about 3-4 months, but a some point the non top hat girls considered the polish unworthy and did some damage. I've had to separate my "fancies" from my standards... those beautiful poofy heads were just too tempting!

 

[AHappychick]

you dont need one but I like having a roo with each flock they take great care of the girls and watching the dinamics between them all is really facinating.