To Rooster or not to Rooster?

[Sussex19]

I got my first cockerel at the same time I got my first two hens, and I didn't even know how much of a problem they can be. I just liked the idea of having one, and got one.
It could have turned out a disaster, but I was lucky and got a real gentleman. So did work out, and I love having him, but don't do what I did. Although it sounds like you already have a much better idea then I did.

 

[ChickyCh00k]

It's more of a current events issue. There is a lot of talk with doing away with meat eating, including keeping "livestock". Lots of people have already had their flocks culled due to various "reasons". Just trying to hedge against these things in the future.

No one is going to "do away with meat eating". There are plenty of people who are going vegan or vegetarian, but it's not as if that will EVER become a government policy - the meat farming industry is much too sacred in this country. With the popularity of backyard chicken keeping becoming more and more pervasive, it's highly unlikely that any government would be successful at eliminating that either.

If there is a highly communicable disease (such as avian influenza) found in a flock, then yes, they will be culled to stop the spread, but I don't think that's "lots of people".

All this is to say: try not to predict negative futures. You have your hens and you're happy with that flock as it is. Getting a rooster before you're ready could be fine, but it could also be a disaster. I wouldn't make a choice on it purely to avoid a "future" that will likely not come to pass.

Just my two cents! Good luck with whatever you decide!

 

[Magda12]

No one is going to "do away with meat eating". There are plenty of people who are going vegan or vegetarian, but it's not as if that will EVER become a government policy - the meat farming industry is much too sacred in this country. With the popularity of backyard chicken keeping becoming more and more pervasive, it's highly unlikely that any government would be successful at eliminating that either.

If there is a highly communicable disease (such as avian influenza) found in a flock, then yes, they will be culled to stop the spread, but I don't think that's "lots of people".

All this is to say: try not to predict negative futures. You have your hens and you're happy with that flock as it is. Getting a rooster before you're ready could be fine, but it could also be a disaster. I wouldn't make a choice on it purely to avoid a "future" that will likely not come to pass.

Just my two cents! Good luck with whatever you decide!

I pray you're correct. I will thank God every day these plans (such as Agenda 2030) are thwarted.

Yes, "lots" of people had their flocks culled without testing positive for H5N1 in many areas of the world. Sales of chickens were stopped in several states for several months earlier this year. You probably don't hear about these things on the nightly news, but they happen.

There are written plans by many global entities to reduce and/or eliminate meat farming. Moving towards eating insects and synthetic meat. Again, not stuff you hear about on the nightly news.

I'm not here to argue geopolitics... as the kids say, you do you. But I have my own reasons to prepare for certain scenarios and if I am living my life freeze drying food and getting a rooster, it's not really something anyone else needs to worry about or criticize.

 

[Folly's place]

All the best for your plans.
Mary

 

[ChickyCh00k]

So the question here is, would it be better for my girls if I got a rooster roughly the same age now or if I wait three years and get a young rooster when I am actually ready to hatch.

You asked for advice...

But I have my own reasons to prepare for certain scenarios and if I am living my life freeze drying food and getting a rooster, it's not really something anyone else needs to worry about or criticize.

Apologies that you didn't appreciate my perspective. Like I said, it was just my two cents. You're free to do what you want.

 

[Magda12]

You asked for advice...

Apologies that you didn't appreciate my perspective. Like I said, it was just my two cents. You're free to do what you want.

Yes ma'am, I asked for advice on if it's better to get a rooster earlier or later in the girls' lives, as I want eventually hatch chicks, whatever the reason.

I'm not sure why you're confused, part of the advice you gave had to do with something that wasn't in my original post, so was, IMHO, unsolicited, hence my response.

Either way, I do appreciate the advice to not get a rooster before I'm ready, even if "ready" wasn't really elaborated on.

 

[ChickyCh00k]

I'm not sure why you're confused, part of the advice you gave had to do with something that wasn't in my original post, so was, IMHO, unsolicited, hence my response.

Oh, I wasnt confused at all. My response was to the reasons you gave for being fearful of waiting to get a rooster (so not necessarily "unsolicited") - I don't believe the issues you listed are a significant thing to worry about, that's why I gave the advice/perspective I did - I was actually attempting to ease your mind (apparently unsuccessfully). If you believe those things are going on, then no one is stopping you from obtaining a rooster. Best of luck! ❤

 

[Magda12]

Oh, I wasnt confused at all. My response was to the reasons you gave for being fearful of waiting to get a rooster (so not necessarily "unsolicited") - I don't believe the issues you listed are a significant thing to worry about, that's why I gave the advice/perspective I did - I was actually attempting to ease your mind (apparently unsuccessfully). If you believe those things are going on, then no one is stopping you from obtaining a rooster. Best of luck! ❤

This is how the emoji came across in my email, so that's why I wondered why you were confused:

"You asked for advice...:confused"

 

[ChickyCh00k]

This is how the emoji came across in my email, so that's why I wondered why you were confused:

"You asked for advice...:confused"

Oh, haha. Interesting. Well, I wasn't wanting to start a debate on grand conspiracies or anything, I was honestly just giving my input and trying to be helpful as to your decision-making process. Only you know what's best for YOU!

 

[Magda12]

Oh, haha. Interesting. Well, I wasn't wanting to start a debate on grand conspiracies or anything, I was honestly just giving my input and trying to be helpful as to your decision-making process. Only you know what's best for YOU!

Right on. Let's talk in ten years. If you're right, I will gladly humble myself at your feet.