All about Roosters!
Ahh, a rooster crowing! That quintessential farm sound that some love and some hate, but when it comes to a rooster, should you have one? Is it the best decision for your farm and flock? Keep reading to learn more and then you can decide!
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN AFTER READING THIS :
HOW MANY ROOSTERS SHOULD YOU HAVE?
Just about a month ago, we had 14 roosters and only about 30 hens! That’s not enough. They were not all mature enough, so it's not an issue quite yet, but I found a home for the roosters, and now everyone seems happier.
The health of your flock is important and you want to make sure this ratio is correct. If It’s too many hens for 1 rooster, he will be stressed trying to keep up with so many! If there are too few hens, they will.
ARE THEY ALL AGGRESSIVE ?
I remember the first time a rooster launched at my leg! I was really not doing much, just walking around, and then all of a sudden, it tried to get my leg. I literally ran away like a chicken, ha!
Here are some things to note.
Not all roosters are aggressive.
Many times, they act out because they feel threatened. Ask yourself, does he have enough food, water, and proper shelter?
Do they feel their ladies are threatened? If they do, they will do whatever they need to protect.
A lot of times, as they are growing, they will show some aggression at about 6 months of age, and then they calm down! Keep this in mind!
Tips for an aggressive rooster
Let him know you are boos. Do not kick him, etc, but if you can, pick him up push him down, and wait a few minutes. Let him know you are the boss, and you will not tolerate that behavior.
DO HENS NEED A ROOSTER TO LAY EGGS?
Hens will always lay eggs, no matter if there’s a rooster around! But they won’t be fertilized! As long as you pick your eggs daily, you can still eat the eggs when there is a rooster around. A hen must sit and incubate the eggs for them to become baby chicks, so it is safe to eat them if picked daily.
DO THEY HELP PROTECT HENS?
PROTECTION—It’s a rooster's job to defend this flock. Many times, a rooster is considered aggressive when it really just wants to protect its ladies. It is prepared to protect at all costs and will sadly sometimes not survive its attacker.
I’ve seen a hawk come near, and our rooster alerted everyone so fast that they were safe and sound before the hawk could even swoop down.
If you cannot be with your hens 24/7, having a rooster or two is not a bad idea. They will sound an alarm, and the hens run for cover.
They not only protect but are also so cute and help find treats for the hens. They find a tasty worm and plop it right in front of them, then do a quick Tuck, Tuck, Tuck sound. The girls come running for their treats. It’s SO entertaining to watch! The sound is called tidbitting!
PRO’s and CONS of roosters
When it comes to roosters, there are always pros and cons! I believe the pros outweigh the cons! They have been wonderful and so entertaining. Plus, we have not lost ONE hen since having a rooster! They really do help protect their ladies!
RANDOM FACTS
If you’re on the fence I say go for it! You’ll get used to hearing them crow real quick and you’ll enjoy all their antics and joy the bring!
Want more info on chickens? See my blog posts below!
HOW TO CARE FOR CHICKENS- A BEGINNER’S GUIDE
INTRODUCING NEW CHICKS TO EXISTING FLOCK
Much Love,
Annette
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