Rooster Breed Suggestions

[The_Patriot5150]

I would like people’s opinion on what rooster breed I should get for my flock. I had a rooster, but his behavior toward the hens, and myself, wasn’t “ideal”. So if anybody had some suggestions on a rooster breed that looks appealing to the eye, is good at protecting the hens, and most importantly, leaves me alone, it would be much appreciated.

My previous rooster was a Rhode Island Red mix breed, so I wouldn’t be too interested in that breed.

 

[gunslinger33]

Your question will get some very opinionated responses.

I have three roosters (2 Orps and 1 Bielefelder) and all of them show no people aggression. None of them love to be held or seek human attention but none the less I don't have any aggression issues.

Each bird is an individual that will have it's own personality. Rooster genetically have a "job" and that is to protect their flock , some are more aggressive than others in their form of protection. All of mine will call their girls away from us and alert if they see predators.


My pick for best roo is Bielefelder. They have good size , single comb , clean legs , excellent producers of egg volume and size. Biels can be a bit pricey and maybe harder to find.


Are any of the below important to you? (to help narrow down the list)

• size
• leg color
• egg production
• egg size
• egg color
• clean or feathered legs
• comb type
• feather color
• readily / ease of availability
• cost

 

[Pretty Birds]

My Bielefelder has been my best rooster. He treats his hens well, is not aggressive, and I love the colors and barring of his feathers.

 

[RiverOtter]

I've had some really good EE roos, and they tend to be easy to find. I've had some lovely colors from them too, including chocolate.

But honestly, I've only twice had a bad rooster, one SLW and one banty. That could be because I don't handle my roosters. I don't expect them to be cuddly or friendly, I don't pick them up, I expect them to keep a respectful distance and I have a "live and let live" attitude towards them. I also tend to keep more than one, which helps. I honestly think rooster management is more important than breed.

 

[rocking chickens]

The difference between most Roosters really comes down to how well they were raised. While their will be bad eggs 99.9% of bad roosters where not taught well as chicks and so are mean. They keys are handle them as chicks and when they try to size you up or even if you just walk by him you assert your dominance. This should not be harsh, just tower over him and make sure he knows his place. If he actually tries to challenge you then be firm and give him a quick kick that should not intend to hurt him just to remind him of his place.

 

[TSP]

I’m going to agree with the folks who suggest Bielefelders. This guy was hatched out at my house on November 8th. Hard to tell from the photo but he’s a big guy. Treats the ladies well, doesn’t get aggressive with me or my family, though he will come running if I pick up one of the hens or pullets and they squawk. I have a big old dumb Labrador retriever who use to love to make mischief with the flock and this guy puts the dog in his place. Hard to say at six months what he will end up like in a year or two, but so far, this is the easiest rooster I’ve ever had to deal with. The flock is enclosed in a 50 by 50 foot fence and they are only outside that to “free range” around the rest of the yard when I’m around and I usually don’t have the dogs out with me, but one tangle with this guy put the dog off chicken chasing.

 

[tuesdaylove]

My three current roosters are good examples of how roos can be a good fit depending on what you're looking for.

Just looks-wise, my Easter egger is easily the most attractive. I find that EEs are usually very pretty birds.

My Cochin bantam/mixed breed LF mix is excellent in terms of flock protection and kindness towards his hens. He always lets them eat first, he has a fantastic predator call, and he's nearly been killed trying to save his girls' lives during predator attacks. He is a little testy with me, however, and has charged at me a few times. He's big enough that he could be a serious threat if he ever lost his temper.

I have a boy that's 3/4 Belgian d'Uccle and 1/4 booted bantam. He's pretty and could probably be very sweet if I took the time to tame him. There's not a mean bone in his body. However, his level of chill is almost a fault, because he'll just stand there and let wild animals walk in the pen to take food or eggs.