Will both hens still lay eggs if the rooster is gone?

[hannakat]

I read somewhere (!?) that when a rooster is removed from a flock, one of the hens will take on the role of rooster and stop laying eggs.

Our rooster has been getting more and more aggressive for the past few months so it might be getting close to the time where he needs to disappear. However, if it's true, having just one hen lay would really suck.

The chickens free range almost everyday and the roo does an awesome job of watching over his little flock but my DH is getting to the limit of tolerance. We've tried everything recommended but he just won't back down.

I'm hoping this is just an old wives tale or something!!

 

[speckledhen]

Hens will lay eggs, rooster or no rooster. He has nothing to do with it. And she will still be a hen, no matter what.

 

[CapricornFarm]

Not in my experience, you don't need a rooster at all for hens to lay. He just fertilizes the eggs so they can hatch. One of the hens will be boss, and may even crow, but should still lay eggs. Deb

 

[BetterHensandGardens]

The hens will continue to lay eggs once the rooster is gone, you don't need a rooster at all unless you want fertilized eggs for hatching or the flock needs protection.

 

[hannakat]

Thank you for the responses. Flock protection has been his saving grace to this point. Okay, I can rest assured they'll both continue to lay and will have to continue to weigh the protection factor a bit longer.

 

[mconro]

Those girls will be just fine without the rooster!

 

[NellaBean]

Get a new rooster. I like mine for protection but they better darn well ignore me or run the other direction. Or they go away. My boys are good and do a great job of watching out for the hens along wth leaving me (and any visitors) alone.

 

[Theapplechicks]

We just got rid of our roo for this very reason this week. He was a beautiful fellow and nice up until the last few weeks that he has decided he did not like my 10yr old and would attack her at first sight! He then started towards me the last couple days we had him. Drawing blood several time from my daughter and then me. We relocated him to a large farm that has tons of free range chickens, so we know he'll be happy. He was an awesome protector but just can't have my kids getting attacked...

anyway after all that.... my hens seam to be fine and I haven't seen a drop in eggs. Actually I think there was one more than usual today. The only thing I have noticed is they are trying to establish their order now that he is gone. I felt bad for one of my tiny bantam game hens. The roo always roosted between her and another one and now that he's gone the other one keeps pecking her and forcing her away from her and my poor Bumble just wants to snuggle in for the night. They'll figure it out though. (i hope!)

 

[miraclz5]

Yes, hens will lay eggs without a rooster!