Will a Rooster be helpful to my flock?

[Mrs. K]

I beg to differ with the above poster. I live on the prairie, and while some roosters are better roosters than others. A good rooster has always dramatically reduced my day time predation.

But I think waiting a year is best.

 

[Fairview01]

I beg to differ with the above poster. I live on the prairie, and while some roosters are better roosters than others. A good rooster has always dramatically reduced my day time predation.

But I think waiting a year is best.

I'd like to see any rooster hold their ground against any of those predators and not become a meal. Just doesn't happen in reality.

 

[Kessel23]

Roosters can be helpful.
About the turkeys, my hens fight with the chickens. They do not bully them but they do put themselves into the pecking order.
Ducks may fight too. Mine have gotten into fights while free ranging but they are usually short. Muscovies can do some damage but I have not had any bad injuries from them yet.

Roosters will prevent some raptor attacks because they are way more alert than hens and can make air alarm calls, unlike hens.
A good rooster will provide some benefits other than fertile eggs and predator "protection." A good rooster is a pleasure to have for you and the hens. A bad rooster, not so much.

 

[MissChick@dee]

A good Rooster is great to have. No two are the same. The hormone teens for Roo’s is usually when you see their true colors. A separate pen is always handy when dealing with juveniles. Personally I don’t do Roo’s. I’m not wanting chicks. My hens Alert to predators.
So I’d say if you end up with a Rooster give him a shot I mean try him out see what happens.
Just be prepared to find a solution for him If he doesn’t work out.
I also think introducing a Rooster to a 1yr old flock of hens is perfect! Trust me you want your girls to have a bit of experience and maturity. Best wishes

 

[varidgerunner]

Depends on the rooster. And the hen. I have had hens beat skunks into cowering stinky masses in the corner, have had a rooster do the same to a possum. Same line of birds a guy had one kill a small coon. Spur in the skull does wonders. Hawks can be met in the air and rendered inoperable, with the right rooster. And if you get a good one they might set eggs for you.

 

[MissChick@dee]

Depends on the rooster. And the hen. I have had hens beat skunks into cowering stinky masses in the corner, have had a rooster do the same to a possum. Same line of birds a guy had one kill a small coon. Spur in the skull does wonders. Hawks can be met in the air and rendered inoperable, with the right rooster. And if you get a good one they might set eggs for you.View attachment 1741052

Why did I just hear the Super Man theme?
Now That’s a Rooster....

 

[Roo5]

It actually happens all the time, you can probably find several stories of roosters fighting or even killing predators.

I'd like to see any rooster hold their ground against any of those predators and not become a meal. Just doesn't happen in reality.

 

[Kessel23]

I have not had a rooster fight off a predator yet, aside from sharp shinned hawks, but I had 2 survive a raccoon attack from a mature female coon during the night. I also had one survive 3 adult GSD mauling my flock for over an hour. I only lost 8 chicken hens, a muscovy hen, and a BBB jake. The feather trail from this Black Australorp covered several acres and looped around the house and up the driveway into the woods. That rooster kept the dogs busy for a long time and came out alive. I had around 80 birds at the time, all out and available, free ranging, unprotected, a lot more should have been dead.

 

[minaayindra]

Why did I just hear the Super Man theme?
Now That’s a Rooster....

 

[Fairview01]

I guess in Texas we have real varmints.