to get a rooster or not?

[SqueakyRoseShalom]

Hello All!
our coop is almost ready and we will be chicken shopping soon- YIPPEE!! Our original plan was to get 7-8 laying hens, but someone recently told me that fertilized eggs are healthier to eat. Is this true? My hubby is not too excited about having a crowing rooster in our backyard, but I try to reason with him that, just like the neighbor's dogs, he will grow accustomed to it.

OK, so, all of you KNOWLEDGEABLE chicken-happy folks out there

, please bombard me with information. I need to know ALL THE PROS AND CONS of owning a rooster so that I can either convince my hubby to get one or be convinced myself that we don't need one. Thanks in advance!!!!

 

[gryeyes]

Well, not to talk you out of getting a rooster, because I think a flock is better with a GOOD rooster, but there is no difference in taste or nutritional content between a fertilized or non-fertilized egg.

A good rooster is a gentleman with his ladies, brings 'em treats, shows 'em good spots to scratch, is aware and alert to dangers, sounding the alarm to warn the flock, and is just downright interesting to watch rule his harem.

That being said, they're obnoxious and horny and have no manners as young, adolescent cockerels. When suffering the worst effects of testosterone poisoning

they won't leave any hen alone and will chase down any they can to mount them. It only takes a few seconds to complete the act, so they can do this multiple times over and over again, all day long, until they get over that stage.

OH, and they crow, too.

 

[SqueakyRoseShalom]

Quote:
HAHA, that's some good info, thanks. certainly food for thought! what if I buy a more mature rooster? I've found someone locally who will sell me a full grown rooster.

 

[michickenwrangler]

Personally, I enjoy having roosters around.

They're pretty, they take care of the hens, they keep a lookout for danger and you get used to the crowing--you can even learn to sleep through it!

We have 2 full grown roos and at least 2 of our 8 chicks are cockerels for sure and we'll probably keep them too.

And yes, cockerels do go through a horrible awkward stage where they look a bit like rubber chickens with feathers. Their first crows will sound like someone stepping on a squeak-toy or screeching brakes but they do grow into their voices.

Our rule about roosters is: if they attack any human, they die. No exceptions. We do not put up with bad roosters.

 

[Mrs. K]

If this is your first time with chickens, I think that I would recommend just getting pullets. Even so, there maybe a rooster in there. Sexing is not 100%. But that will give you time to get a little experience, in the care and management of chickens. If you have small children in your home, or they visit often I would strongly recommend that you do NOT have a rooster. They can get seriously hurt with a roo.

I have had chickens for for years off and on, this last time for 4 years. This is my first year with a roo. I kind of like him, but he is still young so the jury is still out. He does crow, and they do all day long not just in the morning and so far he has not be aggressive to me, but I worry a bit about him.

You want your first experience with chickens to be a good one for your whole family. If you only get hens, there is a high chance of that happening.

MrsK

 

[donrae]

Mrs. K :

If this is your first time with chickens, I think that I would recommend just getting pullets. Even so, there maybe a rooster in there. Sexing is not 100%. But that will give you time to get a little experience, in the care and management of chickens. If you have small children in your home, or they visit often I would strongly recommend that you do NOT have a rooster. They can get seriously hurt with a roo.


You want your first experience with chickens to be a good one for your whole family. If you only get hens, there is a high chance of that happening.

MrsK

I agree with the Mrs.
Start with hens/pullets now. Make sure chickens are what you want. This fall, your local Craigslist will likely be flooded with free roosters and you could pick them up at that time. Especially if your honey is not sure, don't get one. The eggs are no different.​

 

[taprock]

I love my roosters! I like their crows and they make things more interesting. That being said I ordered straight run chicken and ended up with 9 Roos. I had a hard time but rehomed all but 3 and so now things are a bit more Peaceful. I agree you should wait at least until you are sure of what you have. My friend ordered pullets and ended up with two roosters. There are also enough Roos out there that you should never put up with one who develops a bad attitude.

 

[Eireitalia]

Our rooster is great at protecting our hens -- he chases off cats and warns them of hawks overhead -- and lots of fun to have around.

 

[BrattishTaz]

I absolutely love my roos. They are on a good day...... challenging.

Roosters under a year old can seem like demons but then again, so can teenagers.

They can also be the sweetest and funniest creatures you will ever have. I have learned to love the crowing.....at all hours.....everyday.

You will have to weigh the pros and cons from the OPINIONS people give you and decide what is best for you. I would NOT EVER recommend someone with young children get a roo though. (Not everyone agrees with me.)

 

[schellie69]

I did not have a rooster the first year I do now and he makes my flock complete I will never be without a rooster again. He was a little difficult when he was about 7-8 months old like a wild teenage boy. But now takes really good care of his girls he even checks on each one when they sing their egg song and joins in. I love my boy.