Rooster question

[coop-er]

I currently have 8 chickens- I bought 6 hens and 2 roosters. I am beginning to think I actually have 3 roosters, so... 2 need to go. My question is how do you decide who goes and who stays? Do I keep the bigger, more protective rooster who will guard the hens but maybe be more aggressive or mean eventually? Or do I keep the more docile/passive rooster who won't be as likely to be aggressive with me or my hens BUT may not be as protective either? I live in the country with lots of land so neighbors and space are not a problem. Any input would be appreciated to help me make the right choice for all of us. Thanks for the help to all of you friendly posters out there!

 

[Johnn]

I currently have 8 chickens- I bought 6 hens and 2 roosters. I am beginning to think I actually have 3 roosters, so... 2 need to go. My question is how do you decide who goes and who stays? Do I keep the bigger, more protective rooster who will guard the hens but maybe be more aggressive or mean eventually? Or do I keep the more docile/passive rooster who won't be as likely to be aggressive with me or my hens BUT may not be as protective either? I live in the country with lots of land so neighbors and space are not a problem. Any input would be appreciated to help me make the right choice for all of us. Thanks for the help to all of you friendly posters out there!

I think by the time you want to start getting rid you will probably know which one suits you the most. I would just pick the one you like the most.

 

[bobbi-j]

I agree with Johnn. You will figure it out by the time you need to make your decision. Personally, I would not keep a rooster that shows aggression towards humans. That does not necessarily make a rooster a good "flock protector". That leads me to ask you what exactly you are looking for in a "flock protector". Do you want a rooster that will warn the hens when danger is near? Do you want one that will sacrifice itself for the flock by fighting to the death? Because let's face it. Your rooster will most likely die if you want him to fight off predators. He's no match for hawks, dogs, coyotes, fox, mink, bears, or any of the other major predators that will want to eat your flock. I have a great rooster. He keeps an eye on his flock, calls them over when I feed kitchen scraps and generally appears to be on patrol when they're all out and about. I can't say I've ever seen him react to a threat, but he is very respectful toward me. He keeps his distance and when I have to handle his hens, he doesn't interfere.

 

[Chickens R Us]

I had 3 roosters and 2 had to go 1 was just plain mean so he had to go the other 2 never gave me any problems. 1 my BR was top rooster he avoided me at all times the other a BO was nice approached me all the time he would eat outta my hand he was at the bottom of the pecking order so I decided to keep the nicest bottom of the pecking order rooster. Now that he is the only and dominate rooster he tries to flog me I walk around the yard with a stick in case he tries to come after me. Should have kept the rooster that avoided me.

 

[Fred's Hens]

I had 3 roosters and 2 had to go 1 was just plain mean so he had to go the other 2 never gave me any problems. 1 my BR was top rooster he avoided me at all times the other a BO was nice approached me all the time he would eat outta my hand he was at the bottom of the pecking order so I decided to keep the nicest bottom of the pecking order rooster. Now that he is the only and dominate rooster he tries to flog me I walk around the yard with a stick in case he tries to come after me. Should have kept the rooster that avoided me.

 

[Bogbilly]

I am currently facing the same choice. I have 12 Roos to choose from. The top roo is too aggressive towards the hens so I will be enjoying him for Sunday dinner. I would like to have a big bird as my rooster but don't want a aggressive bird. I have 13 hens so I was thinking keeping 2 Roos, one large dominant roo and a submissive that seems to get along with the dominant bird. Is my thinking ok? Is there another way? My flock are all bard rock and the hens are very friendly.

 

[coop-er]

bobbi-j.... I was just thinking my rooster would be an "alarm" for the hens when a predator (hawks, fox, coyote and possibly owls around here) comes near. I also would like a rooster who is not agressive to me- don't really care if he's friendly or indifferent to me- just not mean. And I am not sure when to make this decision. Right now I have 2 light brahmas and 1RIR. 1 LB is crowing and makes his presence known, the other hides and is quiet. The RIR is quiet as well- not quite sure who to dispatch right now.

 

[bobbi-j]

bobbi-j.... I was just thinking my rooster would be an "alarm" for the hens when a predator (hawks, fox, coyote and possibly owls around here) comes near. I also would like a rooster who is not agressive to me- don't really care if he's friendly or indifferent to me- just not mean. And I am not sure when to make this decision. Right now I have 2 light brahmas and 1RIR. 1 LB is crowing and makes his presence known, the other hides and is quiet. The RIR is quiet as well- not quite sure who to dispatch right now.

My rooster is a brahma (he's the guy in my avatar). I have had my rooster for a few years now, and like I said before he's a real sweetie as far as not being aggressive. I'm not sure how old your roosters are, but sooner or later they will get old enough to start chasing your hens. That would be a good time to make your decision. The one who hides and is quiet may not be the alarm you're looking for. That narrows it down to two. Maybe do some research on the breeds. Do you want to hatch chicks from your rooster and hens? If so, would you be growing them for meat? Which rooster would be a good choice for that? Who has the most meat on his bones? Are you looking at egg production instead? OK, which breed is better for egg production? Those are some starter questions you might want to think about. Watch them around your hens. Watch their personalities. What do they do when you come near the flock?