Should I keep my rooster?

[Byrdj]

Depends on the size and weight of the rooster as to damage to the hens back. I have a RIR/Game rooster with only two hens and neither hen is missing a single feather. The heavier dual purpose breeds are more prone to this problem.

 

[ILoveJoe]

He is beautiful, KEEP him!

 

[Chauntecleer's Keeper]

Keep him. My old rooster did defend his small harem. He fought off a predator one night and I swore he would die from natural causes. He lived almost 10 years. Now his son is the keeper of the coop.

 

[Umbral_Necropolitan]

From personal experience, when I was young and my neighbor got chickens the rooster's crowing only bothered me for about a week or so... After a while it becomes background noise and you will be able to sleep through it, much like getting used to sleeping in a new house.

To keep the hens safe if the mating is hurting them, look into getting them saddles or making them some.

 

[cheapcheaps_girl]

i would keep that rooster. he sounds nice alot of roo's can be MEAN but i have some sweethearts at home.

 

[klmilia]

I got a Buff Orphington Roo in my last batch of chicks. Trying to decide whether or not to keep him. Can he stay in with the hens? I don't want to raise chicks and collect the eggs everyday. He seems pretty good natured right now, but is still young.