Rooster Behavior

[Miss Chicken]

Excuse my VERY basic question. I'm new to chickens and recently got 3 babies. They are only 1 week old so I know you can't tell the gender. I've been reading a lot of posts and everyone seems freaked out about getting roosters. Can someone tell me the cons of having a rooster? I know they crow which can be disturbing to neighbors but what else should I be worried about? In the 3 I have if they are all males can they still live together?

 

[Ma]

Welcome to BYC Miss Chicken, where you will find good, experienced and honest answers to your querries.

To your first question, in your situation, even ONE rooster to 2 hens will spell disaster, at least for your hens. The common ratio is 1 roo for every 8 to 12 hens.

The second answer you seek, IMHO, is no. It would be extremely difficult, not to say it couldn't be done with separate housing etc. But most importantly, chickens are very sociable and really need to be able to have a "society". Three Roos doesn't spell a society , as there would be constant bickering and fighting. Someone WILL get hurt eventually. Hens on the other hand, can live quite happily without a roo being present...ever.

I hope this helps you, and doesn't bumm you out. These are my honest opinions through experience. I'm sure there will be lots of others!
I also suggest doing some research and possibly picking up a good chicken book. I still use my basic Storeys Book as reference material all the time. Invaluable!

Ma

 

[wynedot55]

the roos will start trying to crow at 5 or 6wks.an if your going to just have 2 or 3 hens you dont need a roo.because he will terraize the hens.to have a roo you need atlest 8 or 10 hens.

 

[greyfields]

Quote:
The only con that pops to mind is 1 cockrel with 2 pullets could lead to the pullets being over-bred. BUT, since the cockrel has no competition, I think that possibility is remote.


Quote:
Nothing really. Roosters are awesome, if you get a good one. A good rooster will lead the hens around and dance for them when he finds food or bugs for them to eat. He'll break up fights between any hens. He'll protect them to some extent from predators.

The real issues begin when you have multiple cockrels fighting over a group of hens. They will both be very competitive about breeding the girls and fight a lot.

 

[seminolewind]

Hi, it's dependant on the roos. If they are alone together, and layback, it might be okay. I have 2 with my girls. They are brothers, and leave eachother completely alone. One is at the bottom of the pecking order. In the other coop, I have two, silkie roos, and they didn't get along with anyone, but seem to get along with eachother. They ignore eachother, but sleep side by side. Go figure. You might want to try.