Will taking my roo's away, stop my hens from laying?

[momofchicks]

My chickens are 15 weeks old and we are going to put the roo's up (in the freezer). Now is the time to do it. Anyway, will this or could this prolong our hens in the egg producing time frame? Can it be so stressful that the Rooster's aren't there that they won't produce? Does anyone know? Thank you!

 

[Rogue_Woman]

At thier age, probably not, they will have forgotten all about the roos by the time they start laying. My 2 year old hens stopped laying for 2 days when I froze "puffy" then resumed at a slowed pace until egg production was normal again after 2 weeks.

 

[Pine Grove]

IMO, for just a layer flock they will fair better without the roosters

 

[MsBentleyboy]

I wouldn't think taking the roos away would change much. If anything, they may like it that way. Sometimes my roo seems to bug the girls and they run from him.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I take my roosters out of the pen with the hens during the summers to give the hens a break...I see no difference in their egg laying...

 

[momofchicks]

Thank you all for your insight!

 

[TeacherRich]

First time on the Forum,

I have 2 Beautiful Brown Hens that hatched on April 5, they have not shown any broodiness or pre-egg laying tendencies. They have been on 'Layer Mix for the last 2 weeks, and run around the backyard all day. They haven't seen a rooster in 7 weeks. Are they a little late ? right on time ? or do they need a rooster to get things started ? I will not be able to keep a rooster in my suburban area, but the hens are fine with my neighbors.

any suggestions? or should I let nature run its course?

The girls were a science project in my classroom and I would like to keep them to eat bugs and things in my yard and for the fresh eggs.

thanks,

TeacherRich

 

[MsBentleyboy]

a rooster shouldn't affect things.... just let nature run its course.

 

[ticks]

Yup, your hens will still lay.

 

[TeacherRich]

Thanks for you input. The girls look great and love having our yard to roam around in. Hopefully we will get a few eggs soon to prove to my wife that they are worth keeping. (she is more practical than I am)

thanks again

TeacherRich