To keep a rooster, or to not keep a rooster?

[huckleberryfarm]

I agree with everyone else. If you collect the eggs daily, that won't happen. And I have a lot of chickens and a lot of eggs! There's also something nice about having a rooster or two. They do a great job of patrolling the area, keeping everyone safe, letting the hens know if there's something good to eat, waking you up in the morning.... okay... maybe not everyone likes that last one! I have a ton of hens and only a few roosters but I love them!

 

[tennesseechickie]

Thanks everyone. That makes me feel a whole lot better about everything! I may keep one rooster, not sure yet. ANyhow, how do you make the hens lay in the nesting box? WIll they automatically got to it if they are locked in their coop at night?

 

[catchthewind]

Just for the record, my mom has found half-formed chicks in grocery store eggs twice now!

The last time was over a decade ago and I'm sure egg collection and such in factories has improved in that time, but it obviously can happen. On the other hand, I don't know anyone else who has found even one unformed chick in any egg so maybe my mom is just unlucky.