Questions about roosters

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mattjanky

mattjanky

In the Brooder
Jul 8, 2016
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Hi this is my first post here. I am new to raising chickens. I have 6 hens. 3 black austrlorps, 2 buff orphingtons and 1 aurucana.I they are about 4 and a half months old and I can't wait to get eggs any time now! I also have 5 pekin ducks in a small fenced in area (it was 6 but a raccoon ate one. But I took care of it the next night with extreme prejudice). My hens free range during the day and are locked in a small pre fab coop during the night. My question is what are the pros and cons of having a rooster? I know they can be loud but also good gaurdians in case any coons or cayotes come looking for a meal. And obviously I could hatch my own chicks. But do they stress the hens out? Will they lay less eggs? And should I not house them together? Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks
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I am so excited when ever I can keep a rooster for a bit. I can keep one as long as they aren't crowing too much, or too loud, then I have to place them...soo..I have had a few, keep the young ones to replace the ones that finally get real loud. In the meantime, I love love having them around. They roost together just fine. They are fun to watch as they do their dance for the girls. I love hearing their alarm sounds when they thing something is coming after their girls, and the girls come to attention right now! They lay just fine with a rooster around. Some, are even boss over the rooster!
The one thing to watch for. There is always a favorite or two..or what we call the easier hens, because they will squat for the rooster. So, they are easier for him to breed. A lot of breeding can cause feather loss, to the point of them going bald! I haven't had a rooster long enough for that to happen, but I've seen them have their favorites. There are chicken aprons for this very reason, helps save a chickens back. :)
 
Welcome to BYC
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Good post by Cynthia12. I personally love having roosters around, not just because of their personalities, the handy fertile eggs when I feel like hatching some or have a broody hen, but also because they look out for predators and warn the flock (and me) when there is danger. Here is a good account by another member on her experiences with the roosters in her flock:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/keeping-a-rooster
 
Welcome to BYC! I think, as a whole, roosters have an undeserved bad reputation. I can't tell you how many times I've heard people say "Ew I don't want a rooster because I heard they're mean!" While I have had my share of nasty roos, the respectful ones have far outnumbered them. As Cynthia12 said, a roo may pick a couple of less aggressive hens as his "favorite" which may result in bald backs and broken feathers. Chicken aprons or saddles will fix that. As far as predators go, mine have yet to stop one. Their alarm calls have alerted me to trouble in the yard before, however. One thing to keep in mind is that roosters do crow in the morning. And in the afternoon. And some even in the night. (Over years of owning roos, the earliest one of mine have started is 3:30 AM) If you have neighbors that aren't appreciative of a roos singing, a roo may not be a good choice. When selecting a roo, take appearance in to consideration, but focus on temperament. While every roo has the potential to go bad, aggressive tendencies vary some by breed. I've never had problems with Wyandottes, Dorkings, Cochins, Silkies, Jersey Giants or Orpingtons and these all make handsome additions, IMO. I've always kept them and I've always loved them, but as my grandma used to say, "Don't put up with no BS!" If a roo ever has the nerve to attack, give him the boot. Or the pot. They're easily replaced, for the most part and a particular bird isn't worth keeping if he puts you in danger.
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A lot of folks are forgoing roosters. Many places do not allow them anyway. Generally if you do not need fertile eggs to hatch or sell, you really don't need one. Not all roosters are protective, some run and hide without giving a Predator warning. Generally a rooster that will stand and fight will just be killed first - so not any protection at all. They rarely can drive a predator off.

If you have a rooster, they can handle 10 hens . Less and your girls may be physically damages by over breeding. If you have hens that go broody (want to sit on and hatch eggs) you can buy any breed of fertile eggs and put them under her - without needing your own rooster. Its a great way to get into other breeds as well.

A hen will lay just as many eggs without a rooster around, albeit they will be non-fertile eggs. Hens are less stressed an ragged looking with a roo.

It's all up to you and what your goals are.
 
Thanks for all the info and advice everybody! I did end up getting two roosters and 3 more hens from a family that was moving and couldn't take them with them. I hope it works out. I got 2 turkeys too so it will be interesting
 

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