So I'm a bit puzzled... all the books I have read said you do not need a rooster for egg production, just if I want fertilized eggs. So people that I have talked with said although this is true, my girls may "lose their interest" in laying as many if there isn't a rooster..... I really didn't want the hassle of a rooster, but am second guessing myself. I have 25 baby chicks coming on June 7....I realize I wouldn't be getting eggs until around Oct anyway, but didn't know if I should get a roo? Someone please post pros and cons of a roo!!!! thanks!
pros: a roo will defend your ladies against predators as best he can a roo will keep your flock together if you don't have one, sometimes one of your girls will stop laying and take on the "responsibilities" of a roo cons: sometimes roos can become aggressive crowing can be loud, so this can be a problem depending on where you live Personally, I'm in favor of having a rooster for my hens. Just make sure you get a friendly breed and be prepared to show him who's boss if he gets aggressive with you.
I like roosters so I will be a little bias here.. I would say get a rooster but if your afraid of getting an agressive rooster I would suggest you getting one of the more calmer breeds. Buff Orpingtons, Cochins, Silkies, are just some of the breeds that come to mind that are calm and tame behaved. Oh and Brahmas. Silkies dont crow as much as the other breeds. So that helps a little too. They still crow. Some hatchery lines crow just as much as any other rooster so that doesn't apply for every silkie rooster just so you know.
I've got a silkie roo (Tula, short for Talulah, I thought he was a she) and he's as gentle as they come. Not much crowing either.
You may very well get a rooster in your batch of chicks. Sexing is not 100% accurate. My friends ordered 25 chicks from McMurray. Sure enough, one turned out to be a gorgeous Silver-laced Wyandotte. He oversees all the hens and they are happy! Good luck!
I'm also in favor of having a roo. They are very protective and mine seems to keep the peace between the hens when they get sassy with one another.
Quote:I agree. My roo doesn't put up with any nonsense when the girls are cranky and bickering with each other. ETA: He's also become my watch roo. No one comes onto this farm that he doesn't let us know about it.
I personally can't imagine having a flock without at least one rooster. I totally my roosters. They are great at keeping the girls straight and guarding against predators - and they are handsome, fun to watch, and I love to hear them crow. Downside - my alpha roo can get a little bit too "cocky" and I have to "work" with him on his aggression. But he's also the one that wrestled a chicken hawk to the ground and penned him there. So I think he's worth it. Penny
You'll enjoy Chickeneering either way and there's nothing to stop you from trying both ways. Probably the most "downside" is the treatment you perceive as rough by the rooster. They sure liven up the property. They don't mark their territory, but hey sure sentry it and they dont leave the toilet seat up!
