Rooster is a runt - will I still get fertilized eggs?

[slou]

The one chick we got that turned out to be a rooster is a bantam Millie Fleur D'Uccles, has a deformed foot (walks w/ limp), and appears to be the total low man on the totem pole out of the group (always running behind, last to get a shot at the food, etc). Should I assume we won't be getting any fertilized eggs? We have 4 standard sized hens and 4 other bantams.

If we did, how would we know? We weren't planning on a rooster, but now that we have one, would be fun to experience hatching eggs, but since we want to eat most of the eggs, how would this work? (BTW, I can't watch over the chickens on regular basis to see if anything romantic is going on out there).

Thanks!

 

[LadiesMan017]

You and I are almost the same. I bought chicks in the Spring. And turns out that the Millie Fleur D'uccle is a ROOSTER. Yes he is smaller than the standard size hen (BLRW, BO, EE), but I also have some bantams, and Silkies. Others have told me that I should get fertile eggs.

Mine are not laying yet, are yours? But there is a technique called Candling, that you could ask about or look up.
My Rooster is definately top dog. If he has to he takes control of the hens. And they all LOVE to sleep next to him. We love his crow, and he struts his stuff. It is interesting to watch. Sorry that yours has a limp.

There is some advice. Hope it helps

 

[slou]

Thanks for responding! No mine are not laying yet, but given that this rooster - besides the comb and the crowing of course! - isn't really acting like a rooster based on what I read here (he really seems to be last in the pecking order!), I am wondering if he'll have any chance with the hens anyway. Good luck w/ your flock!

 

[LadiesMan017]

Thank you, you too!

Is that the only Roo that you have? Because I have not heard of Hens pecking Roosters.

 

[NYREDS]

You may get fertile eggs but why would you want to? If you think you'd like to try hatching some chicks get a male that's not so flawed [unless, of course, you want to produce more defective chickens].

 

[Jeevesrules]

Quote:
x2 if you want to hatch good quality chickens then get good breeding stock.