Which breed of rooster will protect my hens best?

[centrarchid]

Quick question. We are new to having chickens. We have our older group (1 rooster, 3 hens) & this summer added a 2nd group (1 rooster, 7 hens). Something kidnapped our older rooster (think maybe an owl?) the older rooster watched over his 3 hens, the younger rooster kept to his 7 hens. My question is, since the older, alpha rooster is no longer, will the young rooster (6 months) take over protecting the other 3 hens? Or should we look into getting another rooster that is older & knows what he is doing? Would really appreciate any advice. Our chickens are our kids! We don't like leaving them unattended by us or one of the dogs since this happened.

Your current issue more a function of integration. Remaining young rooster is approaching where older females will recognize him as an adult. You may still have an issue where younger and older hens are not keen on combining but that can be overridden by confining them together for a few days. Your new harem master will be no more effective against predator that took first.

 

[chickienuggers]

I would wait and see what he does... don't get a new rooster until you know for sure cuz you don't wanna have to butcher him if he is not necessary.... and believe me you will have to butcher him if he is not needed...

 

[McGraw Farms]

I have a BCM rooster who is I believe a year old. He runs anytime my dog, my cat, or me come into the pen......he doesn't even sound an alarm....he just takes off leaving his ladies behind.....today I had my first casualty from a hawk I suspect and the roo was hiding inside when I got home and the other chickens were eating what remained of their departed lady friend.

That is what lead me to google, 'wimpy rooster' and find this thread.

 

[The Grove]

My RIR roo just saved my hens from a neighbors's dog. My wife heard a commotion outside and when she got there the roo was attacking the dog. Unfortunately the rooster lost an eye, and now walks with a limp. He did his job and saved his flock.

 

[RedJungleFowl]

Get one of these rooster!
I think a hawk would think twice before attacking the flock!

 

[Hillgirl]

on top of warning us about strangers stealing gas out of the car, my ameraucana hybrid Wellsummer has recently protected the feeding dish from a raccoon out to get free food!

i saw on breed searches the Wellsummer was bred in Netherlands descending from asian fighting cocks and Scirocco is proving his mettle in very fine form

 

[humcoboy]

Exactly. My alpha roo, Duke, is not mean - but he is fiercely protective of his girls. I posted last week about the huge hawk Duke pinned down on the ground. He's a big boy, and he's got the attitude to back it up. I absolutely /img/smilies/love.gif my Duke.

 

[littlethorn]

Get one of these rooster!
I think a hawk would think twice before attacking the flock!

I second this. I have had no hawk issues since I started putting out my big games to protect my banties. Between that and my pitbull taking care of the possums and the coons my flock is happy and safe.

 

[Bigwig]

Are jersey giant roosters good at protecting their flock?

 

[humcoboy]

Get one of these rooster! I think a hawk would think twice before attacking the flock!

what kind is it