Roosters?

[NewEgger72]

All our chicks are supposed to be gals. I was talking to a gentlemen today that informed me that they wouldn't lay without a rooster unless I fed them feed with a hormone in it? I'm pretty sure I read some where along the way that I didn't have to have a rooster to convince my hens to lay. Can any of you seasoned folks lend some advice. I do not want a rooster as I have two small children and so far in my lifetime I have yet to meet a friendly rooster.

 

[Wyleiria]

No rooster needed for eggs! I haven't had a rooster in two years. I haven't wanted one... But I got this cute silkie chick that I am 90% sure is a roo that I will probably keep. Prior to him, my chickens lay like crazy. It's just one of those old wives tales

 

[aart]

All our chicks are supposed to be gals. I was talking to a gentlemen today that informed me that they wouldn't lay without a rooster unless I fed them feed with a hormone in it? I'm pretty sure I read some where along the way that I didn't have to have a rooster to convince my hens to lay. Can any of you seasoned folks lend some advice. I do not want a rooster as I have two small children and so far in my lifetime I have yet to meet a friendly rooster.

Either that guy is yanking your chain or he's an.......old wives taler.

 

[slordaz]

only thing you need a rooster for is fertilized eggs if you want your hens to hatch eggs

 

[Ridgerunner]

Yeah, not true. Commercial egg operations have 100% hens, not roosters at all, and they do not feed any "rooster hormone" to the girls.

 

[havery]

Yeah, that man is full of poop. I've currently got no rooster in with my 6 gals in the coop and haven't since they were brought home a year and a half ago and most of the time I get 5 eggs a day. They free range and eat organic layer feed, have never had a hormone added in their entire lives.