Lady Grey
In the Brooder
I wasn't sure where to post this, but here goes!
I am considering getting a rooster next spring/summer, when my hens will be between 7-12 months old. I have multiple breeds in my flock: one each of barred Plymouth Rock, GL Wyandotte, RIR, Australorp, Marans, white Leghorn, and EE.
Obviously, I don't want a highly strung breed who will terrorize my mostly docile hens. Since my flock are primarily pets, color is a consideration, too. I want a pretty rooster with a nice personality, which brings me to my next question: should I get a young rooster, and let him grow up with my hens, or should I get an older, established roo whose hormones will be more stable? Will an older boy crow less often? This is important, because our landlord (who lives on the property) will object to loud noises at four in the morning!
One last consideration: our solid has awful drainage. In the winter we get mud and water everywhere. My birds free-range during the day, so they can get away from the mud to a certain extent, but I really can't have any breed whose feathers are prone to being soiled.
Does anybody have advice on what breeds to look at? If I want to keep a roo, I kind of need to get it right on the first try, because the landlord is a confirmed city guy (Why he lives in the country is beyond me!) So far he's tolerated our goats, ducks, geese, hens, and cats, so I think I can get away with a rooster if I'm careful!
I don't think a roo could possibly be louder than my gander!!
I am considering getting a rooster next spring/summer, when my hens will be between 7-12 months old. I have multiple breeds in my flock: one each of barred Plymouth Rock, GL Wyandotte, RIR, Australorp, Marans, white Leghorn, and EE.
Obviously, I don't want a highly strung breed who will terrorize my mostly docile hens. Since my flock are primarily pets, color is a consideration, too. I want a pretty rooster with a nice personality, which brings me to my next question: should I get a young rooster, and let him grow up with my hens, or should I get an older, established roo whose hormones will be more stable? Will an older boy crow less often? This is important, because our landlord (who lives on the property) will object to loud noises at four in the morning!
One last consideration: our solid has awful drainage. In the winter we get mud and water everywhere. My birds free-range during the day, so they can get away from the mud to a certain extent, but I really can't have any breed whose feathers are prone to being soiled.
Does anybody have advice on what breeds to look at? If I want to keep a roo, I kind of need to get it right on the first try, because the landlord is a confirmed city guy (Why he lives in the country is beyond me!) So far he's tolerated our goats, ducks, geese, hens, and cats, so I think I can get away with a rooster if I'm careful!
I don't think a roo could possibly be louder than my gander!!