We ended up with roosters should we get hens???

[goingcoastal]

So... I was soo excited about getting backyard chickens but they ate a TON of food, poop was everywhere, ate any plant in sight and wanted nothing to do with us.

So we decided to give them away, it turns out they were roosters from a chicken guy known for scamming people. I didn't know.

We have someone willing to buy the beautiful coop my husband made but now I wonder would having real hens be easier???

I am torn between wanting my yard back again without all the poop, I let them free range, and feeling like now I have no idea what it is like to have backyard chickens b/c this whole time they were roosters.


Soo my question is are hens easier?????????? I need to decide soo so I can let the women know about the coop.

Thanks

 

[MaggieRae]

I don't really know if hens are easier or not, but they're certainly quieter. If you really want to save your yard you can make the chickens a run.

 

[HorseFeathers]

Roosters all together will probably fight and injure each other. Hens are less aggressive, and lay eggs as well as being quieter. You can keep your favorite rooster to be the hens' protector (he'll be thrilled), and get rid of the others, or if you have a lot of space build them separate coops and each roo can have his own flock.

 

[ticker9400]

Hi,
Hens poop just as much as roosters and eat just as much as roosters, but at least they give back food via eggs.. make a run attached to your coop and then they wont poop everywhere..

 

[rancher hicks]

Well now I have my yard divided so the chickens can't get in to the sittin area. That works out great. I also finally fenced off my garden, so they have a large area and a run on days i don't want them loose. i have 26 hens 3 roos. A 12x8 coop divided into 2 sections one smaller for 5 hens, 1 roo CM's. They're going to have their own run. Other run is 24x8. It's muddy so I let them out on some days and I have a garden for the cleanings. You could easily give it away if you bagged it up. I'm gettng 18 eggs a day and I have friends out of work so that's good.

My point is you have to have the right set up for you. Keep reading this site and see if you can work out a solution if you really want chickens.

 

[Uppity Peon]

Well, anyone you ask in here is biased, including me.

But since you have gone to the trouble to buld a coop, buy feeders, etc, you should definitely follow through and get some hens. Get rid of the roosters and get a dozen sex-links.

I'm sorry your experience so far has been unpleasant. I think you will find hens much easier to love.

 

[Sunny Side Up]

I don't think anyone on this forum is going to try & discourage you from keeping backyard chickens! But we will provide the support & help you need to make your experience the most successful & pleasant one.

Think about how many eggs your family uses each week, and figure that a laying hen will give you 4-6 eggs per week. You may only need 3-4 hens to provide your family's needs. That number shouldn't require tons of feed, and could easily be kept in an enclosure.

A small number of hens will act more friendly, especially when they realize that you provide them treats. And you will be more fond of them when you taste their delicious fresh eggs.
try me!

you'll like me!

 

[sandy sea]

Hens eat and poop just as much as Roosters. But you can get eggs. Why not just get three Hens, you already have the coop. That would not be too messy. You also could fence off an area for the chickens.

 

[RedStarDaddy]

I think I would try again. I have a dozen Red Stars, which is many more than I *need* but it's not too many for one guy to take care of. When they were in the brooder they didn't have much choice except to be picked up and petted, but when I put them out in the chicken house they did. They eventually started getting closer, but they were still leery of contact until the past two weeks or so -- but you can sure bet they know who has the treats! They even recognize the truck when I come around the corner and are waiting where they can see me if they're out. And when I pull up they come running.

I was out in the chicken house this morning tending to the feeders and waterer and looking to see if I had any eggs, and two of my Red Stars followed me in and climbed up to the top of the roost. They were eye level with me there. When I reached for them they stood there -- not squatting in submission but just standing very calmly. And they let me stroke their heads and combs and wattles. I cannot begin to describe the rush that was for me.

RSD

 

[rancher hicks]

the authore of one of the books I read aoubt raising chickens on ly had 3 hens. Start out small and work from there. You did n't say how big your yard is though and how many chickens you had. Oh and you must let us know what you deicde.