Roos question and convincing parents

[MonkeyZero]

Hiya
I just wanted an answer.
what are the pros and cons of having a roo in a flock of 2 hens?
Also, how do I convince my parents to get me one?

 

[Goose and Fig]

You can get one for FREE, they look after the hens, they are attractive.....

 

[Chickenmaven]

I would not recommend having a roo for only two hens. Too much masculine attention for the girls...

 

[Megs]

pros:
-they look after the hens
-they are very beautiful (nature generally makes males more attractive, buggers!)
-they fertilize the eggs (only a pro if you want to hatch eggs i suppose)

cons:
-noisy (crowing) so dependant on your location to your coop/neighbors might be an issue
-as chickenmaven said to much attention paid since so few hens, i have one boy who was only with one hen and he picked the top part of her head bald (hanging on). i have a few trios that are great (no hens missing feathers or anything). so depends on the birds i guess.

 

[cw]

what kind of roo would you want?
i believe breed is needed to give a fair answer

 

[MonkeyZero]

I have silkies
And so I will get a silkie roo. The most expensive one around here is a just $20.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Silkie roos are sweethearts! Yes, you can have one for two girls. He will love and protect them. bring them treats and dance for them. You will adore him!

 

[MonkeyZero]

Now, how do I tell which roo will be nice?

 

[MonkeyZero]

Also, what do I look for in them?
I know the feed store has extra show silkies for $12.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Don't count on a chicken from the feedstore as being a show bird. Even if they call it so. You need to look at photos of better quality birds and read the standard to have a fair idea of what you are looking for.

In general, you want a nice crest, 5 toes per foot, black or slate skin, mulberry to black walnut comb, as much foot feathering as possible, silkie feathering throughout. Wings should be held close to the body, and fairly horizontal. As few hard feathers in the tails, wings and feet as possible. A broad breast, shorter back. Not too long a neck.

If you are not planning to show him, and he will be free-ranging with his hens and protecting them as a good rooster does, he needs good vision, which often means a smaller crest, or trimmed around his eyes.