Which breed of rooster will protect my hens best?

[d_cat88]

I have a 6 week old RSL cockerel that is already super protective of his mini harem

. Every time I reach into the brooder he stands between them and my hand and runs at me then jumps feet first. I figure he's going to be an absolute monster when he matures. I've decided to name him Spike after the character on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, cute but evil.

 

[Lollipop]

At 6 weeks he hardly can be considered anything, but should this attitude continue, your pride in his protective qualities will soon turn to anger as he matures. Just be aware that mean roosters are best kept in the stew pot.......Pop

 

[d_cat88]

Quote:
His comb is already turning red and he's growing wattles. I figure I'll let him live until he's about 4 months old and then he'll make delicious soup.

 

[wisefool]

Quote:
Actually, nzpouter, I think there's really more truth in that statement than you probably intended! In nature, size matters. So does attitude. While predators can be larger than even the biggest rooster, a large rooster with the right attitude probably stands a better than average chance when it comes to protecting his flock.

Finding a breed with large roosters isn't difficult - but the attitude is every bit as important! And dealing with that attitude takes the right mind set for the owner as well

I also agree with this. A balance is nessecary. Dogs pretty much ignore size. I have seen 15 lb poodles scare the crap out of 100+ lb dogs in scraps. So you DO need some 'tude in your dude if you have domesticated dogs in your threat matrix.

But other predators: foxes, coons, possums and hawks look to the size of the opponent first and make rationalizations that way, before the fight even starts. These predators have no owner to run back to to nurse wounds and take to them vet. If a predator gets injured by taking a chance on a fight it is likely they will die or not beable to provide for thier offspring. A big boy who puffs up can solve alot of problems before they start.

But also keep in mind attitude if you are going to have guests and/or small children around.

 

[basicliving]

Quote:
Actually, nzpouter, I think there's really more truth in that statement than you probably intended! In nature, size matters. So does attitude. While predators can be larger than even the biggest rooster, a large rooster with the right attitude probably stands a better than average chance when it comes to protecting his flock.

Finding a breed with large roosters isn't difficult - but the attitude is every bit as important! And dealing with that attitude takes the right mind set for the owner as well

I also agree with this. A balance is nessecary. Dogs pretty much ignore size. I have seen 15 lb poodles scare the crap out of 100+ lb dogs in scraps. So you DO need some 'tude in your dude if you have domesticated dogs in your threat matrix.

But other predators: foxes, coons, possums and hawks look to the size of the opponent first and make rationalizations that way, before the fight even starts. These predators have no owner to run back to to nurse wounds and take to them vet. If a predator gets injured by taking a chance on a fight it is likely they will die or not beable to provide for thier offspring. A big boy who puffs up can solve alot of problems before they start.

But also keep in mind attitude if you are going to have guests and/or small children around.

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

my Duke.

 

[zatsdeb]

my brahma elvis, is the king. he takes care of everyone. I currently have 6 roos and they all pretty much get along, elvis is the oldest wisest of the bunch. the other 5 kinda squabble between themselves at times, but the other protecter is my avatar, white crested black polish, pimp daddy rooster, he is fiesty.

 

[deerman]

Well the best in my book, is the gamecock, most are not mean. Have see a gamecock stand and fight a cooper hawk,saw one of dads fight a wild pheasant rooster.
Thing about gamecocks they will fight until the death,they cant always win ,but will try their best.
Had a gamecock and gamehens in a run, came home found two of the hens dead gamecock missing feathers and 4 gamehens walking around.There in the corner hiding a 50lb stray dog.

 

[nicktide]

It seems that finding a good guard rooster that is nice to people is difficult. I have an 8 month old white leg hor who is a great protector. His flock only free ranges in the evening. I have seen him chace off a redtail hawk, 1 cat, 2 of my 3 children, my wife and it even pinned down and flogged a small hawk.
To keep him from getting too mean, we hold him regularly... often like a baby. He will still puff up to us but he doesn't attack. He will even close his eyes while being held.

 

[black australorp prince]

My barred rock is very good for watching over the flock, stood up to a magpie before, hes a good bit of stuff, i think its up to personality

 

[LittleDevilCockOwner]

I am the proud owner of a Belgian D'Uccle pair and they're both around a year old and the young rooster (The Colonel) has got to be the meanest little cock you've ever seen (hence my user name

)! He does quite the job protecting his little girlfriend. Unfortunately he's only to mean to human's as far as I've seen. There have been many stories of all my family members who have to take care of them while i'm not around to take care of them having to take out a broom to just keep him from attacking them. But when it comes to predators I still give him props. He'll raise the alarm and basically raise hell until one of us comes out to see whats all the noise is about. And so far he's been able to keep him and his "missus" safe from 3 or four close calls with hawks who've dived in to try and get them while they free range in the backyard and also make sure the cats know that he sees them. But ya back to the subject, just from my experience I feel like no matter what size rooster you have, you need one that has a sharp eye for danger and can call the alarm fast enough. I can see a fighter as a bonus though and my next rooster would most likely be some sort of game hen breed due to their more wildish side which would seem to give them a better edge when out free ranging. Thats just from my rookie chicken raising experience though.