Rooster or hens? First time chicken owners

[JedJackson]

Thank you for your reply, we were hoping for all pullets since we wanted eggs for the b&b. We’re hearing having a rooster may be good for flock, do you agree?

You're welcome. It really depends on your situation. If you are free ranging your birds, a rooster can be beneficial in warning the others about predators. And if you plan on raising your own chicks you need a rooster. If you aren't free ranging or planning on hatching, then there isn't much benefit to having a rooster except for entertainment-- they do have a lot of personality.

The negatives are more expense for feed, more noise, and the possibility of an aggressive rooster.

So weigh the pros and cons and make the choice that is right for you.

 

[A Creekside Retreat]

You're welcome. It really depends on your situation. If you are free ranging your birds, a rooster can be beneficial in warning the others about predators. And if you plan on raising your own chicks you need a rooster. If you aren't free ranging or planning on hatching, then there isn't much benefit to having a rooster except for entertainment-- they do have a lot of personality.

The negatives are more expense for feed, more noise, and the possibility of an aggressive rooster.

So weigh the pros and cons and make the choice that is right for you.

Makes sense. They are free ranging so protection and guidance seem like our major benefits. Since we’ve had them since a few days old they all seem to get along very well as well (not aggressive towards us or the others). We’ve been doing reiki on them and singing with them so I don’t think we have the heart to get rid of him just because of feed. Hopefully the noise won’t be too much. Seems like ensuring he has enough food is one way to limit the noise as I don’t think I could do a collar. Heck they all have names and are part of the family now, who knew we could be so attached to chickens and a rooster... thank you again - so glad we only have one cockerel hopefully!