What breed of rooster for a mixed flock?

[Laci7210]

Need ideas! I have different laying breeds, (buff orpingtons, barred rock, etc.) and other breeds like silver laced Cochin and Wyandotte (those are my hens). I'm getting some chicks, silkies, cochin, and assorted layers. I could keep a rooster back from one of those breeds.. maybe silkie? Thanks!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Why do you want a rooster? What are your goals for the rooster? I can’t offer any ideas until I know what you hope to gain by having a rooster.

 

[Folly's place]

If you are looking for a parent, your choice may be different than if you want a flock protector and eye candy. The most important issue should still be temperament and health! I generally watch a few cockrels as they grow, and pick one or two that seem possible. My final choices may wait until spring, as long as they get along in the winter coop. Mary

 

[Laci7210]

I want to hatch chicks, sell eggs, hatching eggs, and have a nice rooster that isn't hard on the hens or mean to the young pullets I put in there. Oh and a pretty one!!

 

[Ridgerunner]

Any breed of rooster should be able to fertilize the eggs so you can hatch chicks with any rooster.

Since the rooster doesn’t lay eggs and the hens do not need a rooster around to lay eggs, I guess you mean you want his offspring to lay well. In that case keep a rooster from a breed known to lay well.

You can get horror stories on roosters of any breed. You can get stories of a great rooster form any breed. How well your rooster does his job as flock master is pretty much the luck of the draw. As Folly said, if you can keep some around to evaluate them you can get some ideas about them but there can only be one flock master. Until one is actually flock master you really can’t tell how they will behave.

Pretty is in the eye of the beholder. I don’t know what you would consider pretty.

I know this is not much help but they are not machines. They are living animals, each with his own personality. From my experience breed is not all that great an indicator for how they will behave in a flock. Most roosters will do pretty well once they mature but can be real brats when they go through adolescence.

I suggest you just look at pictures of roosters and pick one you think is pretty.

 

[Laci7210]

Ok thank you!! I will look and see what breeds I like! I had a white silkie in with my hens but my dogs broke into the hen house a few days ago and killed him along with 7 of my hens! I'm down to 8 hens in this coop so that's why I'm looking for a new rooster. I really liked my rooster and I think I might just keep back one of the silkies I'm getting.. Thanks for the help!!