Should we get a rooster?

[CheepCheep51]

Hi! So we are getting some chickens in August, and I was wondering if we should get a rooster. We really really want chicks but we're worried that it might be aggressive. I have a lot of brothers and sisters, (I'm 13 and their ages are 6, 9, 16, and 19, and about twice a year were visited by relatives with kids aged 2 and 5) and I really don't want anyone to get hurt if he is aggressive. So far I think that a buff Orpington is the best choice. Are there any other breeds that are nice and calm? Also, would an Orpington be ok in very hot weather?

 

[TwoCrows]

Hi there and welcome to BYC!

Some roosters can be aggressive, and some are not. And the breed does not always determine the aggressiveness. So you take your chances over all. LOL But roosters are great to have around as they protect the flock, keep the hens from picking on each other and when they are friendly, they are very fun to have around. Hatching chicks is always better than getting them from a hatchery as well. So it is entirely up to you.

Good luck in all your chicken adventures!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! They are not very good egg layers, but Cochins and Silkies are two other breeds that are popular pets because they tend to be calm and friendly. Roosters are nice to have around for a lot of reasons, but they can be dangerous to young children, so if you are unsure, I would consider not having a rooster, get one at a later date when you are more experienced at keeping chickens. If you want to hatch eggs, maybe post in your state thread for where people find hatching eggs for sale in your area, https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread

 

[Joshua G]

Jersey Giants tend to be very calm.

 

[CheepCheep51]

Thank you! I think that we'll see if we can find a rooster on a nearby farm and let our hen stay there for a week or so.

 

[drumstick diva]

I don't know that people breed a hen like taking a female dog to a male.

For one thing you don't know if the rooster will attack a strange hen(or vice versa) for another she may bring parasites and diseases back home with her.

A lot of people get silkie hens because they tend to be very good broodies. When they are broody you could slip fertile eggs under them in the nest. They will hatch and raise chicks (of any breed) as though they were their own.

 

[CheepCheep51]

Hi drumstick diva!
Thank you so much... I didn't think of that. The fertile egg idea sounds perfect, as I can have lots of different breeds that way. Once again, thank you!

 

[roostersandhens]

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. I agree that you might be better off to not get a rooster until you have gained some experience with chickens. Enjoy your birds!

 

[Joshua G]

I don't know that people breed a hen like taking a female dog to a male.

For one thing you don't know if the rooster will attack a strange hen(or vice versa) for another she may bring parasites and diseases back home with her.

A lot of people get silkie hens because they tend to be very good broodies. When they are broody you could slip fertile eggs under them in the nest. They will hatch and raise chicks (of any breed) as though they were their own.

x2