Would you add a rooster?

[JacinLarkwell]

OP, can I ask where you're located? I almost always have extra males that I'm trying to rehome that are friendly

 

[TheFatBlueCat]

I love having a rooster in my flock but as others have said, you have to be flexible and it doesn't always go the way you plan. Because I raised up my current flock rooster with older hens the boss hen did not accept him when he matured and he didn't accept her, so she had to be removed to the old lady flock.

My rooster is fine with having only 4-5 hens, he wouldn't manage with 10 I doubt lol.

I like how he keeps the flock well managed and doesn't allow any fights, including between chicks and juveniles. He would not be a good predatory protection.

I will always now have a rooster, but they do change the dynamics.

 

[KRack]

OP, can I ask where you're located? I almost always have extra males that I'm trying to rehome that are friendly

Thank you for asking! I'm in PA, so way too far of a drive unfortunately.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Ahh, too bad. I'd recommend seeing if there are any 4Hers with extra males that they're trying to move

 

[KRack]

Ahh, too bad. I'd recommend seeing if there are any 4Hers with extra males that they're trying to move

This is a really good idea, thanks!!

 

[myluckychucks]

All this information is great. I will just add 1 more reason for having a rooster. If you buy chicks or older birds to add to your flock you will most likely bring in a disease that can have bad effects on your birds, or the new birds could be made sick from something in your flock that your birds have an immunity to. If you hatch your own chicks you can keep a closed flock for quite a long time before adding new bloodlines. My roosters (3) are GREAT at warning hens about large flying birds and keep the flock together.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Honestly, if you want to maintain current flock size, there is no value in adding a rooster. And if you have any qualms at all about frequent culling (unless you are fortunate enough to have community members of one ethnicity or another eager for backyard boys), you should not be hatching your own. Too many variables, most of which end in death for a bird.

Better, if you want to stay at 6, to replace with birds from the farm store - sexed pullets - as needed.

My view only, feel free to disregard.

 

[McChooky]

Cockerels are worst around small children.#1 reason not to get one.