Rooster questions

[Jerseyjack]

I have 14 rir hens, they are 11 weeks old. These are my first birds, all happy and healthy. I am thinking about adding a rooster to the flock, should the roo also be a rir? Should I get a roo about the same age or does age not matter? What are the downsides of having a roo, besides the cockadoodle doin? Thanks

 

[CrazyChickensEverwhere]

You don'y have to have the same breed. and age all depends on if your birds are sexually mature. 11 weeks is a little earley for a adult rooster. I would wait until the hens start laying to add a adult rooster, But If I were you I would suggest possibly a younger rooster around there age.

By the way I wouldent suggest a RIR for you first rooster, they are known for being agressive, but there are some nice RIRs out there.

 

[CrazyChickensEverwhere]

search craigslist people have roosters on there all the time.

cons of a rooster
______________________

1. can be agressive toward humans
2.agressive toward the hens
3.loud
4.thinks it owns the coop
5.can give hens missing feathers while mating

if you get a rooster that is like number 1. and 2. GET RID OF HIM



Pros
___________

fertile eggs
protection for the hens
makes the eggs more heathy(fertile eggs)
some pick hens treats
if you like crowing ( I DO)
and more...

 

[JPHorvath]

Quote:
Roosters may crow, but in my opinion several hens cackling in the hen house is just as noisy as a rooster crowing. It would be helpful to find any gentle rooster not necessary RIR unless you plan on breeding for purely that specific breed. A young cockerel will be at age to breed in about 6 months depending on breed. Keep in mind one rooster for 14 hens is a good ratio. Also juvenile cockerel can tend to be a little rambunctious until they get settled and bit more mature.

We have several roosters all that remain with us are gentle and safe around my 4 year old son. If they are aggressive they end up in the freezer.

 

[Wynette]

It's an old wive's tail that fertilized eggs are more healthy, fyi.

If you ever free range your birds....get a roo. If not...no need, unless you're planning on hatching some chicks. IMO, that's the long & short of it. If you do not free range & don't plan to hatch, it's basically another mouth to feed. JMO!!!

 

[JPHorvath]

Quote:
Correct we had at one time 2 RIR Cockerels they can be agressive, they made wonderful soup.

 

[Jerseyjack]

Thanks for the replies! My birds are free ranging, is there a specific breed known for being "less" aggressive or is it basically luck of the draw?

 

[SunnyCalifornia]

Maybe a Cochin? They seem to be pretty laid back.

 

[CrazyChickensEverwhere]

EEs, ive never had a problem.

The problem roosters for me are, red sexlinks, barred rock, RIR.

 

[Jerseyjack]

Any opinions on a hamburg rooster, free on craigslist 6 weeks old. Since the hens are older, would that help in introducing a roo to the flock?