rooster or no rooster?

[bcrllc]

I realize that you can have chickens can lay eggs without a rooster but I was told they are better eggs if there is a rooster with your hens? Opinions please

 

[junebuggena]

Often times, a younger rooster or cockerel will cause the hens/pullets so much stress from his constant attentions, that he can negatively affect the laying rate. Adding a rooster will not increase production. Nor will it increase the rate of broodiness.

 

[Ridgerunner]

The only difference in the eggs if you have a rooster is that they will hatch if you incubate them. Other than fertility there is no difference in nutrition, quality, or quantity with or without a rooster. The only reason you need a rooster is if you want fertile eggs. Other than that it is all personal preference.

 

[bigt447]

Ditto to what RidgeRunner stated.

 

[El Huevo]

Hi, this is my first post in this site, so let me begin with saying Hi! I have chickens in my backyard and all over the place, they free range, they are more pets than anything else so I let them do whatever they want (limits). What is a flock without a rooster, I have 4, one is the boss the others are younger. I build a nesting complex but they choose where to lay there eggs. I just look for them, they pick their own spot. the rooster is the prettiest of all the birds. So I think that you're missing out not having a rooster. Now if he is giving you trouble fricasse'.

 

[nwfl]

The years without a rooster were peaceful and happy and a lot less work for us. We have them again for breeding and have a few of each breed in their own pens. We never like letting them run with the hens unless they are breeding. Over the years we have had a few really good boys that were good to their hens but our choice to keep them separate from the ladies has worked well for us and the ladies.

 

[azygous]

Ditto that. I've been currently dealing with three unexpected roosters. While roosters are very entertaining critters, they can be terribly disruptive, especially with more than one. Even one rooster, if the number of hens are few, can over-mate them and make things rough on them.

There's nothing wrong with keeping roosters separate from the hens if they're especially hormonal.