To Roo or not to Roo? That is the question..

[AugmentTheRoof]

I have had chickens for 4 years now and a new batch of chicks soon But Ive been wondering if I should get a rooster with these new chicks. I have chickens from 1 year old to 4 years old so would they cope (or put up) with a male? What are the advantages and disadvantages. We are pretty isolated from nieghboors and our closet nieghboor is a farm so they crowing wont be a problem.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

I love having roosters. Granted having more than one rooster can get a little complicated, but you are talking about just one rooster. Your older hens will eventually be fine with having a rooster around. They might put him in his place until he is mature enough for them to accept him as alpha rooster.

It is often said on this forum that toddlers and free ranging roosters are a risky combination, but if you don't have young kids, I think a rooster could be great to have around. Roosters are real characters, and it's fun to watch their behavior with the flock.

 

[theoldchick]

A good rooster is hard to find. As mentioned small children can not be around them no matter how gentle the bird seems to be.

Rooster are beautiful, they provide comic relief, they watch over the hens.

If you find one this friendly you better snatch him up even if he doesn't meet the SOP:



I'm his favorite foot warmer.



And the wattle waving is hilarious to watch!









Nobody can resist a rooster happy dance






And the flirting, oh my!











Rooster talk is a hoot to listen to.






Hope this helps.

 

[furbabymum]

Bloody hate my rooster. Don't do it!!! This will be the second rooster we've butchered. The first one attacked our son and this second one attacks me. Rushes my legs and pecks and claws. He doesn't seem to realize how very useless he is. Just waiting for this weekend to lop off his head.

 

[iluvsedward]

I like roos

 

[roostersandhens]

I have 23 chickens 2 roosters at the moment prob soon to be 3. I love having roosters! They are pretty too see!



Good Luck!

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

I enjoy my roosters. We have three right now in a flock of 49 hens. I've only ever had one that tried to dominate me, and he left the flock very quickly. Since then, we've had six different boys, and none have been aggressive. Your older hens will harass the young boy until he hits maturity, then he'll all of a sudden come into his own and put them in their places.

My advice is this: Keep one of the boys, but DON'T make a pet out of him. Always let him be a little bit cautious around you and move away from you if you walk directly at him. If he's getting snuggles and sitting on your shoulder while he's immature, then right around sexual maturity he's likely to think you're an easy target. I've seen so many heartbreaking stories of roosters that were a BYC Member's best friend until they matured, and then they became little demons.