Why have Roosters

[WV_Chicken]

OK, so if you want the eggs and you have a rooster, then how do you keep him from fertilizing the eggs? I'm not an egg eater, but wouldn't that ruin the eggs?

 

[FrizzlesRule]

There are many good reasons to have roosters. Most will protect the hens, they are beautiful and are needed to make baby chicks. I love my roos. Have had them as pets for years. They are soft and cuddly and lovable. SPIKE, SPUD and VEINS, all bantams are beautiful and they make the best pets.

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

I have a roo who, although is not always very friendly toward the hand that feeds him, will go after anything that gets in between him and his hens. (Already practiced on a few ducks and some chickens). I'd rather him be a little nicer, but he can be a sweetie when he wants to. I like to feel that my birds are safe. So he's a keeper. Just today I let him free-range (he's a Silkie, and can barely see) and my Sumatra hen came to investigate him, as she's not part of his flock. They've never met. But I know my Sumatra, and she was going to give the newbie hell, as she's a bully. But he was growling up a storm and she didn't listen. When she got close enough, he pounced. She ran away flapping.

Point being, we have threats. I like my boys vocal and steady. I also like them pretty and, if they can manage without feeling imasculated, sweet.

I also agree with the other reasons stated. Roosters aren't for everyone but when you find one that fits your needs, they are most certainly worth their weight in eggs. I like that saying.

Also, this same rooster will stand at the end of the coop every evening, staring out the window. It's very creepy (sometimes I get out locking them up late and when I walk by I'll just see him standing there quietly)

but it's also very nice to see him protecting his family. I've never had a rooster that would guard the hens, and not sleep with them.

 

[roosters4sale]

I enjoy that morning crowing.

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

Quote:
NO! You wouldn't notice a single difference taste-wise. I eat my eggs all the time and I, as well as everyone on this forum, can tell you there is no difference.

 

[Robin'sBrood]

I've been very fortunate with my rooster too. He is so sweet, takes great care of his girls, and I truly love him.

My handsome SLW roo, Lacey...

 

[Robin'sBrood]

Quote:
Nope, I eat fertilized eggs all the time... just as tasty as unfertilized eggs!

 

[billfields]

Quote:
Nope, during my entire childhood I never had an UN-fertile egg. Folks always had roosters. You'll never know the difference.

 

[woodmort]

For all the things HorseFeatherz NV said plus some of my saddest times have been when I'm between flocks--sold off the old birds and wait for the new to mature--and there are no roosters crowing. After I lost all mine last spring it was a too quiet summer until the first of my cockerels started to crow.

 

[gryeyes]

Fertilized eggs are NOT eggs with an embryo in 'em. Embryos do not form until an egg is incubated, either under a sitting/broody hen or in an incubator. A good 5 days of incubation - and that's solid 99.5 degrees and about 40% humidity around the clock 24/7 - and there will still only be some veins starting to grow. Nobody would take an egg from under a broody hen who has sat on it for 5 or more days to EAT.

Gather your eggs daily and there will be no difference in taste, nutrition, or appearance (except for a very small white "bulls-eye" indicator on the yolk). Forget to pick up eggs for a few days out of a nest where a hen - or hens! - lay eggs but don't sit on 'em all the time, and there will be no discernible difference.