What do I do with the rooster?

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jacksonchick

jacksonchick

Hatching
9 Years
Apr 25, 2010
1
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7
We are new to the world of chickens ( about 48 hours ). We had 5, eleven month old chickens arrive, 4 hens, 1 rooster. The people that I bought the hens from would only sell them to me if I took the rooster as well. Is it called a hen house because the rooster is suppose to live somewhere else? We are in the process of building a chicken tractor and have had to modify the plans because he is twice the size of the girls. I know that they are social critters, what happens to one rooster if you separate him out to give the hens a break? A couple of the hens are looking a bit rough as a result of his affections. We have the chickens for the eggs, and have little interest in chicks. He is very handsome and I enjoy his noises, but holy crow!

Any suggestions would be appreciated!
 
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Try getting a new rooster.
 
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Is this rooster doing a good job of managing the flock ~ other than being romantic? A good roo will stand guard, watching over the girls as they eat. he will even find areas filled with prized bugs & tender greens, then call the girls over to get the goodies. Evenings, just B4 sunset, he will walk them to the coop, ensuring that each hen is inside & safe. (simplifyingYOUR job! ~ bless his crowing heart!
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Good luck with your flock!
 
If you really don't want a rooster, try posting an ad on Craigslist. Someone is offering a free rooster in our want ads in the paper today...You can even post on here, in case another BYC member lives close by. If you only have one rooster, I see no reason he can't live in the coop...First, you will have to decide if you want him. There are many posts on here, giving examples of how the rooster saves the hens from all kinds of predator trouble...Good luck with your decision...
 
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Glad to have you here!
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A rooster is a really entertaining bird, so he's nice to have around if you're allowed to keep him. Roosters often have a ton of personality. You might do a search on this site for "chicken saddles." These protect the ladies from an overly-amorous rooster. There are several members here who make and sew the saddles (or you can sew your own if you are handy with that sort of thing).
 
I say play the wait and see game... If he is bonded with the flock.. they love him... He is part of their world... Getting displaced from your home is stressful... A rooster is a very normal and necessary part of a healthy flock. They are the first to go to bat for your breakfast makers. He is truely the Cock of the Walk as far as head honcho and the hens will do what he says....They are programmed to. If you go roosterless there are consequences in the social order of things... You may have a hen that quits laying and turns rooish. Let him rest and settle in and watch him with his girls.. My guess is he is stressed and they will mount aggressively to reduce stress levels. It doesn't hurt the hens and they know what their role is.
 

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