Will my rooster stay sweet and does it affect eggs.

[roseplummer]

Ok so I planned to not keep any roosters. Little did I know I would end up with what appears to be a buff orp roosters who is so sweet that when I hold him he snuggles his head up to my chin and coos. So I really want to keep him but have always been fearful of roosters as I have only ever seen mean roosters. Will he stay sweet or will my sweet baby turn mean?

Also if I do keep him will that affect the ability to eat eggs? I had planned to have chickens as egg layers first and pets second. How do I know if the eggs are safe to eat or if they have a rooster around to fertilize the eggs?

Thanks Rose

 

[Chickenteacher]

ANY fresh eggs are safe to eat.....fertile or not.....you've probably eaten both before......

 

[eenie114]

Just don't let broody hens sit on the eggs and you will be fine. How old is your rooster? If he is still young, just let him know you are friends, and you are the provider of all things yummy. If he is an adult, he will most likley stay sweet.

 

[roseplummer]

My rooster was born mid march. So he is still very young and not even crowing. I secretly hope he turns out to be a she. LOL He gets lots of nummies hand fed as do all of my chicks. The current favorite nummies are dandelion greens. I still need to get a list of safe treats for them.


I had a traumatizing experience of cracking open a nearly fully formed chick when I was a child and do not want a repeat of that. LOL

 

[huntsman]

It seems from the hundreds of posts I've read in the last three days that very few people who are new to chickens actually wanted a roo at first - certainly if you're in the city.

However, that attitude almost always changes as you realise one (usually more!) of your pullets are male, and quite soon you start trying to find reasons to keep him..!

I have a lovely Black Australorp roo, who is currently worming his way into our hearts at the age of 4 months, and after being totally opposed to a roo, we will do everything we can to keep him, though our neighbours might prove a problem...

I vote you keep the roo, at least until it becomes a problem...