Should Harold stay or go? you tell me.

[jjdward]

I have a BO rooster, Harold, who is about a year old. I also have two Black star roosters that are about 6 months old. All three seem to be pretty good roosters. I have about 16 hens and three roosters and I want to get down to just one rooster. I don't want anymore chicks and this flock is just for eggs to eat. Here are my questions:
1. Which one do I keep and why
2. Do I need to keep just one or should I keep two in case something happens to the other

 

[goldenluver]

if all you want are eggs and not breeding then you don't need any roosters at all. unless you live in the country and need his protection of the girls, then keep one.

 

[jjdward]

Yeah i will be keeping one for protection. I just don't the best way to pick. They are all good to the ladies and are pretty calm and sweet. Hard to choose

 

[Barry Natchitoches]

OK, please bear with me because I am new to raising chickens.


But what is this about keeing a rooster "for protection?"


Isn't it dangerous to keep roosters in with hens? I mean, don't they tend to pick on the hens?


Can you give me an example of how a rooster would protect a flock of -- let's say nine -- hens living in a coop together?


I'm asking that question because I have accidentally ended up with a roo among my group of peepers, and I'm wondering what to do with him when they grow up.


He lives with five other 13 week old pullets at this time in a chicken tractor - and has lived with the other gals since the day after they were all hatched. So yes, he grew up with the little pullets.


But at 16 to 18 weeks of age, I plan to merge the little ladies in with my 4 older hens in their bigger chicken coop.


My problem is what to do with the roo when I merge the little girls in with the older hens.

 

[deerman]

I would keep him and get rid of the cross breed rooster. Then I would also keep eggs from BO hens and hatch some, heck you may change your mind later....

 

[geebs]

I would rehome the ones I could and keep what is left... Let your friends decide.... by taking what they want... ensuring a life for the others.

As for rooster for protection... Heck ya... I wouldn't have a pen without a roo.... There are many reasons

A hen may have to take on a roo role and may even quit laying in response to no rooster around.

Nature design is pretty good. The roo will lay down his life for the hens... AKA... He will get eaten first... That is great insurance.

I have had Roos warn me of serious hazards like dogs and prowlers... (burglers)

Give me the meanest rooster any day of the week...He is what I want for my flock.... They are sold out for the cause.... They care more than you do.... They are programmed to defend your breakfast.

I wouldn't worry to much about the integration as long as everyone is grown ups... They will figure it out... I would never mix juvenile birds and adult for many reasons: disease and injury being at the top of the list

 

[bethandjoeync]

Quote:
Roosters can protect the flock from some predators.
I don't think they actually pick on the hens, it's called a pecking order...and every flock has them with or without a rooster. he is only going to keep them in line
as long as there is 4 sq ft of space per chicken in the coop then you shouldn't have a problem with picking/pecking of any of the hens (other than establishing a new pecking order once with the new ones)

and really it depends on the rooster...some are more aggressive than others, while some are quite docile and not very good protectors at all

 

[jjdward]

I'm gonna keep one. Breeding and hatching aren't an issue because I have Black star hens so they don't breed true anyway. I was wondering if the age of the rooster would matter at all.

 

[geebs]

I would keep the most aggressive one. They provide what the hens need.... security.... I don't let a rooster flog me but I do show them some respect in the coop by not hassling their hens either... The one that is the most upset by friction in the coup. Good luck on your decision.

 

[jjdward]

Im thinking that I'm gonna keep harold. maybe not.