Why have a rooster, except for hatching out eggs?

[raeraemcrae]

I'm wondering if there is any other reason. If I don't want baby chicks, just eggs, and I have very limited space; is there any other reason why I might consider having a rooster?

 

[dacjohns]

A flock just isn't complete without a rooster.

You won't get to hear them crow.

You won't get to see the rooster antics as he takes care of his girls.

A good rooster takes care of his girls; keeps them together, tells them about food, warns them of danger, protects his harem.

Rooster in their glory are very attractive birds.

 

[Kittymomma]

I like having a roo, but my girls free range most of the day. If I was really limited on space, didn't free range (much), and wasn't planning on hatching out eggs I probably wouldn't have one. They do add something to the flock though, and mine keep a pretty good watch and sound the alarm if a hawk or coyote are in the area too.

 

[lildinkem]

I heard someone say that hens lay more when there is a Roo around.

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

I have more than one rooster - they are worth the feed they eat, even if not hatching chicks.

A good rooster will:

Protect his girls - from airborne pest and ground pests

Feed his girls all the treat from the yard he finds

Stop his girls from bickering between themselves

Protect the chicks who are hatched out by his girls

Prepare nest spots for his girls

Give them the best of the best - best dust spots, best shad spots

He will know when they are getting ready to lay after a molt

When he sees you come out of the house, he will let the girls know "here come the two-leg who brings treats"

He sings the egg song just as loud and proud as his girls

Cuddle with the girls




I love my roos!

 

[tdgill]

because once you have one, you'll understand completely.

I love my roos!

 

[raeraemcrae]

Thanks for all the great responses. Okay, so if I am getting a mobile chicken trailer (open bottom, for sort of free ranging birds) that will hold 4-5 full-size birds, and I have a 3-person family who eats only half dozen eggs once or twice a week, but has friends with whom to share, would you all say it would be ideal to get 3 hens and 1 rooster? And, how early does he crow? Is it different from every rooster? Or just "sun-up" for them all. I think I remember hearing them crow while it was still definitely dark. I live on an urban lot, not quite half an acre. But, my neighbor's dog wakes me UP, he barks so much and so loudly, so I think I can get away with a rooster! I'd ask first, I suppose...

 

[Buck Creek Chickens]

Quote:
I have a roo in everyone of my pens, most keep the girls in line, plus unless you can't have one it, just doesn't seem right not to have one

 

[Buck Creek Chickens]

Quote:
Most roo's will not crow unless disturbed at night, so if a predator get in the coop he will crow and go after the varmint. and it all depend on the roo, but if you have a neighborhood dog that barks the roo will 'bark' back (crow)

 

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Quote:
Moral obligation? Because roosters get the short end of the stick right from the get-go.

Pretty flimsy reason? I thought so, too.