Should we add a rooster to our flock?

[donrae]

Just from your first post, I'm not sure if you understand how chicken mating can be. Eventually it gets smooth and nice, if fast, with a good rooster. With a young rooster and young pullets, it's often pretty violent looking and distressing to humans not used to it. A fair amount of chasing, feather pulling, failed attempts, persistent chasing of a hen, lots of noise and struggle at times. Like I said, it doesn't/shouldn't last forever, but that's usually what your looking at at first.

Personally I love roosters and always have some in my layer flock. I've just seen folks here have bad reactions to seeing mating for the first times.

 

[IttyBiddyRedHen]

Even the good roosters will rub a few feathers off the hens backs. But if they are gentle enough, they don't tear any skin. I do have 4 half naked hens at the moment, but that is why I check them and observe them..to see if anyone has any injuries or issues. I figure it is just a fact of life for chicken mating. My neighbor has half naked hens too...and she has a 20 hen/2 roo ratio.

Young cockerels do need to learn how to treat their hens. It's the young ones who refused to learn that are in the freezer now.

 

[Hayduke27]

I found your bird:

I think even the bears will steer clear.

 

[donrae]

I found your bird:

I think even the bears will steer clear.

Watching that made me want to say "breathe, man, breathe!"

 

[Valk]

Thanks for the info donrae and moxies, it's most helpful and I'm continuing to learn! And you're right donrae, I don't understand how chicken mating can be because I don't have a rooster.

Plus, I'm pretty new to chickens. I do understand now that the mating practices ease up a bit after time.


Hayduke, that rooster is awesome. This video with the heavy metal really compliments him!

Thanks everyone!!!

 

[obeloinkment]

you *totally* don't understand chicken mating. o.....m.....g.....

 

[Valk]

you *totally* don't understand chicken mating. o.....m.....g.....

Teehee!

 

[Hayduke27]

Vent <3 !!!

 

[Mrs. K]

I will throw out the other opinion. I waited a a couple of years before I got a rooster. My hens were fine without one. That time really gave me some confidence around and raising chickens. Repeatedly the op has said this is a first experience with them. When people ask me for advice, I recommend just getting hens first, or raising just hens first. If you have small children, I strongly recommend waiting until the children are bigger before adding a rooster. Rooster and children don't mix.

I live in rough country and I have all the chicken predators. I have lost hens and roos to predators, but without a doubt, a good rooster will dramatically reduce your day light losses. However, the rooster needs to be close to a year old. It takes a bit of time to get a good rooster, and there are few sure proof ways of getting one. If you are in chickens long, you generally wind up with a roo that is way too aggressive. When you start with roosters, you need to have a sharp knife, as a lot of them need to be in the freezer. If you are uncomfortable with that option, you may not want a rooster.

I like having a good rooster, but I am on my fourth and fifth one, one goes to camp, waiting to see how they develop, how their personalities get established.

All I am saying, is it is not a bad thing to just have hens for a while.

Mrs K

 

[Hayduke27]

Mrs. K, you always add such wisdom.