Pros:
Cons:
I have no direct experience with roosters as a predator defense/alert system. Some people say that the rooster will throw himself between the flock and the danger, others says that he'll sound an alarm and be the first to run.
I agree that if hawk protection is your reason for considering a rooster you should consider a covered run rather than a rooster.
- Fertile eggs and a self-sustaining flock
- I like the sound of the crowing
- Beautiful to look at
- Part of natural chicken social structure
Cons:
- May become aggressive
- May overmate hens
- Some people find the idea of eating fertile eggs unappealing
- Eat more food and don't lay eggs
I have no direct experience with roosters as a predator defense/alert system. Some people say that the rooster will throw himself between the flock and the danger, others says that he'll sound an alarm and be the first to run.
I agree that if hawk protection is your reason for considering a rooster you should consider a covered run rather than a rooster.