Rooster??

[Ken112978]

Hello I have question should I have a rooster for my flock could someone tell me the pros and cons to this

 

[andreanar]

Pro's: They give the girls a bit more protection, you can hatch your own chicks, and they are pretty to look at.
Cons: they can turn mean, mine didn't like his girls too close to me (and I like chickens I can pick up, hand feed and pet), They can cause injuries from mating, they can over mate, you have to keep enough girls for them.
These are just my opinions. I don't keep any Roo;s. Mine got mean to my sister and I would never have been able to trust him around kids.

 

[Hybridchucks]

The Pros and Cons of Keeping a Rooster ~ Learn Which is Best for You
Pros and Cons of having a rooster? | BackYard Chickens
The Pros and Cons of Having a Rooster - a sonoma garden
3 Reasons Your Flock Needs A Rooster (And 3 Reasons It Doesn't ...

 

[wamtazlady]

Another pro, at least for me is hearing the cock a doodle do during the day. I love it. That being said, I've sent 2 roosters to freezer camp for attacking people over the years. Other roosters have been very respectful. The girls didn't miss them and the roosters' favorites grew their feathers back in the fall.

If I were going to add a rooster to an existing flock I'd find someone who has chickens. They always have an extra rooster or two they'd give away. Get one that is over a year old and has never shown aggression to people.

 

[Fanci Feathers Marans]

Hello I have question should I have a rooster for my flock could someone tell me the pros and cons to this

Hi, I think I can help. You probably know that roosters are not needed to make the hens lay eggs, but they do make the eggs a little bigger. The main reason hen keepers want a rooster is for their flashiness, a need for chicks, or simply to hear them crow.
We've all heard how mean a bad rooster can be, but a good one is irreplaceable. He keeps the hens from wandering too far, shows them food, and watches the sky for hawks.
If you have an established flock with no rooster, a hen may take up this position! Before I got my Marans, I had a hen charge me exactly like a rooster might.
If you know WHY you want a roo, it is that much easier to find one. Breeders like myself might have a few extra boys that just didn't make the cut. They may not be a s pretty or as big, but will still crow!
You have to be careful when buying adult birds. Disease is a major factor. But it can be a life-saver when judging personality... if the breeder is honest with you, or if you think you can judge for yourself.
When raising from chicks, you know exactly what you are getting. What breed, what breeder, how old, and what feed. You can also tame him yourself, with lots of treats. Still, I think it's a matter of personality more than anything.
If all else fails, get five rooster chicks. Keep them in a pen separate from the hens, but still in sight of them. Roosters will try to show off in front of the girls, and this may include trying to fight you. Pick your favorite, then put the rest *gasp.... in a pot.

 

[Mrs. K]

Roosters take experience in my opinion. I suggest having an all hen flock for a year or two. Then add a rooster, a very easy introduction to do. Wamtazlady has very good advice, a juvenile rooster, is generally unpredictable, and really not interested in flock protection. At about a year in age, the rooster is generally who he is going to be.

Ask at the feed store, at the county extension agent, or at the county fair, find other people close to you that has chickens. Ten to one, they will have a rooster that is so nice, they did not cull them, but really do not need them. That is the rooster that you want.

Just in case you are just getting started, and have a flock of pullets, I would not add a rooster until late winter or early spring, or they girls have been laying for a couple of weeks.

Mrs K

 

[LilJoe]

I find a rooster's crow relaxing.
(Just saying. Ik this isn't helping w/ anything)

 

[aart]

You probably know that roosters are not needed to make the hens lay eggs, but they do make the eggs a little bigger.

Say what!? Never heard that one before!
Egg size has nothing to do with whether the egg is fertilized or not.

 

[aart]

Hello I have question should I have a rooster for my flock could someone tell me the pros and cons to this

Really would depend on what your goals are and how you plan to keep your birds.
If you want to hatch replacement layers a cockbird is essential.
If you free range a good cockbird may help protect the flock from predators.

Roosters take experience in my opinion. I suggest having an all hen flock for a year or two.

Totally agrees^^^

Oh, and, Welcome to BYC!!

 

[LilJoe]

Say what!? Never heard that one before!
Egg size has nothing to do with whether the egg is fertilized or not.

×2 ive had several roosters and my eggs arent big at all! Even my leghorn eggs arent very large!