Roosters or not??

[hereford_girl_01]

I have 23 Buff Orpington hens and 2 Buff Orpington roosters. They are all 17 weeks old. They were all supposed to be pullets when I ordered them but I guess you can’t get them all right!! So anyways, I was wondering should I keep my roosters? I’m not looking for chicks, just eggs. I was curious if there’s anymore reasons that I need a rooster other than to get chicks. Thanks for the advice!!

 

[redranger209]

Roosters break up hen fights, they protect the flock, they find treats for the hens, etc. It’s a no-brainer, plus I doubt the lack of desire to hatch chicks won’t last long.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

If you just want eggs you don't need a rooster. Roosters can be an asset in some ways such as protection from predators, and being able to hatch eggs, and they can cause problems by being aggressive and harassing hens. Only you can decide what's right for you and your flock.

 

[hereford_girl_01]

Roosters break up hen fights, they protect the flock, they find treats for the hens, etc. It’s a no-brainer, plus I doubt the lack of desire to hatch chicks won’t last long.

Well I think it would be fun to hatch chicks but I’m rather young, (about to become a teenager) and my mom says no chicks, I would love to though. What if my roosters are a little rough with my hens? They chase them around the yard and are already beginning to try to fertilizer their eggs and their just 17 weeks. They haven’t even began laying. Do I need 2 or should I keep just 1?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You don't need neither of them. One is definitely better than 2.

 

[hereford_girl_01]

You don't need neither of them. One is definitely better than 2.

Thank you for your advice! I was thinking of getting rid of one of them because he’s kinda mean and hard headed. The other one is nicer, and not near as stubborn, but roosters will always be roosters.

 

[bobbi-j]

Honestly, you don't need any. A cockerel (male chicken under a year of age) may or may not be protective, break up hen fights, find food, etc. Your pullets (female chickens under a year of age) will figure things out on their own without a male if you choose not to keep either of them.

"Roosters will always be roosters" is not a good reason to let one become human aggressive or act out in any other way. They can be trained to give you your space, and to respect you. That's important. You do not want them to think they can flog or spur you, or fly at you.

 

[hereford_girl_01]

Honestly, you don't need any. A cockerel (male chicken under a year of age) may or may not be protective, break up hen fights, find food, etc. Your pullets (female chickens under a year of age) will figure things out on their own without a male if you choose not to keep either of them.

"Roosters will always be roosters" is not a good reason to let one become human aggressive or act out in any other way. They can be trained to give you your space, and to respect you. That's important. You do not want them to think they can flog or spur you, or fly at you.

Thank you for your advice, I didn’t mean “roosters will always be roosters” to mean that I let them be rough and aggressive, I just meant that they are stubborn animals.

 

[bobbi-j]

Thank you for your advice, I didn’t mean “roosters will always be roosters” to mean that I let them be rough and aggressive, I just meant that they are stubborn animals.

Yes, they can be. Have you had roosters before?

 

[hereford_girl_01]

Yes, they can be. Have you had roosters before?

No, this is my first time with chickens. I got them as chicks from the Cackle Hatchery.