Should I have a rooster?

[Phionex Boy]

Hey! I am wondering if i need a rooster... I have a flock of 6 hens and i want them to be protected during the day while he sleeps in another coop. I really want to keep at least 1 out of my 3 roos but if he will hurt them over-mating then i might rethink it.

 

[LRH97]

If you only keep one roo, you shouldn't have major problems with over mating. Now, he may pick a "favorite" hen, but a chicken saddle usually takes care of that if the problem arises. If you do free range, I personally think you should have at least one roo in the flock to offer some degree of security (Or maybe a guinea or two!). One roo to every 10-12 hens is a good ratio. (One roo for six is fine too, but if you have any more than that, you will probably end up with torn up hens)

 

[Phionex Boy]

What is a guinea?

 

[texaschickyall]

What is a guinea?

A loud yelling squawking alarm covered in pretty feathers.

 

[LRH97]

What is a guinea?

A loud yelling squawking alarm covered in pretty feathers.

Best description of Guinea Fowl ever! Here's a picture of one Phionex Boy.

 

[Phionex Boy]

what does it do

 

[texaschickyall]

They are like a barking dog. If anything comes near the coop, mine go crazy yelling. It's not a pretty sound. They arent neccesarily aggressive, more of an alarm system to get your attention. Mine roost in in the trees above our coop night, they are decent short distance flyers. My male will attack the goats if they try to eat from the chickens food.

They are good birds. Very wild so don't expect a pet. Just ALOT of noise.

 

[texaschickyall]

I shouldnt say attack. More like chase and squawk at them. They do this with my little terrier too. They could care less about me but go crazy when other people are looking at chickens. You can hardly talk over their racket