Why have a rooster? new Pg 10 video pg 13

[speckledhen]

Having them free range also cuts down on the feed bill, so I don't intend to keep them locked in their pens 24/7 other than maybe the tiny bantams, who are hawk bait. Even with them, I may on occasion allow them out of the pen if I'm right there with them watching, but that remains to be seen. My banty Cochin, Shadow, has free ranged with the flock her entire three years of life, though, the newer bantams, the D'Anvers are much more rare and smaller than she is, so I want to be super careful with them. They're not easily replaced.

 

[ChickLover98]

Lance is great, truly a hero.

I have a rooster story of my own to share. The flock was free ranging and I had to step away for a few minutes to help my grandma move something. All of a sudden I heard my rooster, Jasper make a low, but loud sqwack. I ran back to see what was wrong. Just then, I saw a hawk about to dive down. I made a mad dash to the coop. When I rounded the corner, I couldn't beleive my eyes. I saw all of the girls huddled in the coop, and brave Mr. Jasper standing tall and proud in the middle of the yard, ready to take on the hawk. If it wasn't for Jasper, I could've lost some hens that day. I'm so glad I have Jasper. I love him so much for all he has done to protect and keep my girls in line.

 

[black australorp prince]

lance is a legend!!!

 

[waltersbf]

I loved this story of your brave, brave rooster! It actually brought tears to my eyes to think someone else in this worlD LOVES! chickens as much as I do. I just bought 4 guinea hens [sex unknown right now] for that very reason. I read that they will protect a flock and are quite vocal to it gets your attention. right now everyone in my area is have a fox problem and I keep my guns loaded too! my local feed store lady thought it was awful that I would shoot a fox, BUT! when it comes to protecting my 'girls' all's fair! and trapping a fox is a very!!!! difficult thing to do.

 

[Cetawin]

Love them? Heck yes and spoil them ridiculously....heck I even spoil chickens that belong to friends. Bake for them and send food goodies via mail or deliver them in person. LOL

 

[speckledhen]

Quote:
Yes she does. My birds keep asking when she's coming back for a visit, especially Suede.

 

[Cetawin]

Quote:
Yes she does. My birds keep asking when she's coming back for a visit, especially Suede.

That boy does love blueberries pancakes and muffins. Hehehe

 

[marilyn15]

so as far as loving them I should not feel crazy that the chickens come running towards me when they see me! I always think hey they like me, but I am sure it is because I am the one in the household that gives them treats.....
Our rooster is funny, I swear he hands over treats to his girls.

 

[<3ChickenForever]

Just read that story... Wow you have one brave rooster. Go Lance!! I've recently read an article in Grit and it said the same question... "Do I need a rooster even if I just want eggs?" Here is some reasons why ...
*Great Husbands
*They protect their woman
*Are first on the scene of disturance
*A rooster will confront, fight and most often lose his life when a predator attacks
*Roosters vocalize threats, alerting the flock to imminent danger, such as a flying hawk over head.
*A rooster does a good job of marshaling his hens-keeping them together and attentive, and calling them over to a new and excting food source-thereby reducing harm that may come to them.

I had 3 roosters. One died though because of a mink, my explanation is that he was protecting his hens. We still have 2 very brave, strong roosters.

Thanks again for sharing the wonderfull story.

 

[Lacey1988]

I think people should have a roo if it wasn't for mine whatever got him probably would have killed all my hens...from the feathers I could tell he beat the crap out of whatever it was...But in the end he sacrificed his self to protect his girls.