To get a Rooster or not get a Rooster?

[redstars]

This is my question.
Currently I have 10 Hens and no roo.
Can you guys help me with the pros and cons of getting a roo?
The noise factor is not an issue since my neighbours are not close.
Thanks.

 

[usschicago1]

If noise is not an issue i would say GET a rooster no doubt. My opinion!

 

[Mahonri]

If the hens free range, it's nice to have a roo for protection. Most are alert and always have an eye to the sky to give warning, etc...

With a roo and an incubator, you don't have to buy chicks anymore.

As long as you can handle the noise, they can be wonderful.

Here are pics of my two roos.

Geoffry is our Blue Wheaten Ameraucana, and Barack is our GC Maran... we are going to re-home or sell him eventually this year

I have some lucky hens, and both produced some beautiful chicks.

 

[BarkerChickens]

I am agree that if noise isn't an issue, then go for it! Roos are great protectors and it is a joy to watch the roos look after the hens (finding food for them, etc). Plus, if you get a broody hen, she can hatch eggs!!!

 

[teach1rusl]

I've been considering the same thing...

Pro: Most roos will help guard hens
Pro: You could have chicks if you want
Pro: Cool sound of crowing

Con: Some roos are aggressive toward people, or go through an aggressive phase
Con: Some roos can be very aggressive in their mating activities, injuring hens
Con: Never stops crowing

 

[seminolewind]

I get more enjoyment out of my roos. They are such characters. Mine even fluffs the nests for the girls to lay. I had 4, now I have 2. I'm hoping for a nice Jersey Giant roo with this hatch.

 

[redstars]

Can I just get one and put him in with the girls or do I need to keep
them apart for a while?

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

IMO:

Cons:

-some have aggressional issues, which I find to be the worst
-some can be tempermental with hens (mean to them)
-over-mating hens if they have a 'favorite'

Pros:

-rewarding to watch their antics and little shows they put on

-the good boys can potentially be friendly with people, if raised right
-extra set of eyes to watch hens (I've heard some great stories about protective roos)
-good boys: they'll steal your heart
-make me laugh
-eye-candy

-well, I like the crowing...

I would so do it. Be aware that sometimes, certain individuals are born to be bad. I bred one of mine, knew him from the time he was an egg, raised him with more love than I can type out, but he got mean. Then there are others...I got one boy this summer from a breeder who identified his boys by leg-band...didn't socialize him at all, and if I didn't get him, who knows where he would have ended up? Point being: this roo is the sweetest boy I've had in a long time. Roosters are a mixed package, but the odds are good.

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

Quote:
ALL chickens should be in quarantine for a month when you bring them home. If not, you're risking bringing illness to your chickens.

 

[seminolewind]

I personally would quarantine for a month first, but he should be fine aside from a few little spats. He may need to learn some finesse in the romance department if he's young, but the hens usually set them straight.