Thinking about getting a rooster

[mamascarlett]

I have 8 1 yr old girls, all getting along and all producing.
I'm considering getting a rooster.
We have plenty of room, and now that I'm more used to life with chickens I thought it may be a good time. I have 3 silkies, 3 marans and 2 ameraucanas.
My biggest questions are what breed do I introduce? Do I get a from a chick or young cockerel or buy a full grown guy?
Thanks for any help, I need it!

 

[azygous]

Can you articulate your reasons for wanting to add a roo to the flock? They're mostly window dressing and added entertainment, not really necessary unless needed to fertilize eggs to hatch out chicks.

Most of the time, people are trying to get rid of roosters, not actually go out and get one. But you can easily introduce a mature rooster to your flock any time. They integrate fairly easily, unlike hens who adhere to a rather rigid pecking order and tend to exclude newcomers.

However, accidental cockerels are likely to turn up in an order of baby chicks, so why not wait until you're ready to raise more chicks? Raising a single chick, even if you know it's male, isn't easy on the chick or the human. If you want a roo, I would get a grown one who is proven to be a gentleman.

 

[cafarmgirl]

X2. If you are sure you want a rooster then getting a more mature bird with a nice temperament would be my suggestion as well. There are some nice roo's out there, there are many more who are a real pain in backside to have around. Since you have silkies it might be a good idea to get a silkie rooster, or at least a bantam rooster, rather then a large, standard size roo.

 

[chicklover 1998]

X2. If you are sure you want a rooster then getting a more mature bird with a nice temperament would be my suggestion as well. There are some nice roo's out there, there are many more who are a real pain in backside to have around. Since you have silkies it might be a good idea to get a silkie rooster, or at least a bantam rooster, rather then a large, standard size roo.

X2 I have both a RIR rooster and an EE or ameraucana rooster haven't quite determined if I was lied to yet but my questionable boy is amazing he clucks for my girls to come get food he has never broken a feather(where my RIR does on occasion) he had a bit of a mood problem but that was nipped in the bud when I showed him who was boss, as a rule EE and ameraucanas are pretty laid back, and mine is only about 2-3 lb, so he is light enough even with the bantams.

 

[mamascarlett]

Can you articulate your reasons for wanting to add a roo to the flock? They're mostly window dressing and added entertainment, not really necessary unless needed to fertilize eggs to hatch out chicks.

Most of the time, people are trying to get rid of roosters, not actually go out and get one. But you can easily introduce a mature rooster to your flock any time. They integrate fairly easily, unlike hens who adhere to a rather rigid pecking order and tend to exclude newcomers.

However, accidental cockerels are likely to turn up in an order of baby chicks, so why not wait until you're ready to raise more chicks? Raising a single chick, even if you know it's male, isn't easy on the chick or the human. If you want a roo, I would get a grown one who is proven to be a gentleman.

Yes, and thank you for all replies so far!
Few reasons. I'm hoping a guy will help guard the girls somewhat.
I also want to raise for meat for my family, and if I get a good layer here or there all the better. I do not want to sell or show. But with my mix of breeds, figuring out the best rooster is tricky for me.