what if I end up with a rooster?

[kristinlokin]

One more question: I'm going to order my chicks from a local feed store that has a 90% guarantee on the sex of the chicks. From the posts I've looked at, I probably won't be able to tell for sure that I have a rooster for 2-3 months. My town does not allow roosters - what exactly are my options if I find myself with a rooster? I can guess what one of my options is, and I'm not sure I'm too comfortable with it! Does anyone else have a rooster restriction in their town - how would you handle it?
Thanks!
Kristin
P.S. (I probably shouldn't have started this post with "One more question" since I know I'll have a lot more questions once I actually get the chicks!

 

[CarriBrown]

Where do you live? Sometimes you can re-home chickens to other people in the area that are able to have roos, or you can donate them to 4-H.
And yes, there is also the other option, but some of us aren't comfortable with that. :|

 

[kristinlokin]

Thanks! That's a good idea - I'm in Massachusetts, and I know the MSPCA has a farm for unwanted farm animals. I'll look into the 4-H. I'm trying to think through all the not so pleasant eventualities ahead of time.

 

[bigzio]

Kris, if you have any amish farms in the area they are usually willing to take them. Just drive to their farm and ask, generally real friendly folks.

bigzio

 

[Ravenxxx]

This is the reason why im put off buying chicks. Although we dont have a law about roos, but im sure my neighbours wouldnt be too happy about the noise they make.

I wouldnt know what to do with the leftover roosters (bless them) how horrible to be so unwanted

i know i couldnt kill them but dont know if i could re-home either. Its been quite hard to find any chickens near me which is madness being in the countryside so i might have trouble getting them new homes!!

Looks like i might have to stick to hens and have no babies

 

[4H kids and mom]

No one will know you have a roo until it starts to crow, and thats quite aways off yet. In the meantime, you can talk with other farmers, or go to your local farmers market. Chances are someone there will be happy to talk any roos off your hands, but know that they will most likely end up on someones dinner table. Unfortunately, roos arent very 'wanted' because they are loud and aggressive (some are...I happen to know a very sweet and fairly quiet one, but thats rare!) Thats why hatcheries basically give them away at a few cents each. If I were closer to you I'd be happy to take on an extra roo for showing (4h) purposes, but you are quite a drive from me! I would deffinately check your local 4h groups. I'm sure you could find a home for a roo there. Be prepared to give it away and not get much if anything in return for it.

 

[Hillschicks]

You shouldnt be so quick to shut the door on "the other option" .. We were hesitant as well, but when the day came it wasnt anywhere near as bad as you would think.. We arent fans of killing them (who would be), but once that 10 seconds is over with, your left with some of the best chicken your family will ever eat.. Not to mention it is healthy instead of being pumped full of growth hormones like store bought chicken.. Check with your local butcher if you dont want to do it.. Usually someone will do a chicken for about $2... Once we got over not wanting to butcher them, we gained the ability to hatch as many chickens as we want.. Totally worth it

 

[ocap]

there are breeds that you can pick where the sexing is nearer to 100%

edited to add a link to a 100% choice
http://www.cacklehatchery.com/Red_Sex_Link_Group.jpg