Most backyard chicken keepers have run into this problem at least once. You purchase a dozen (supposed) sexed pullets from your local grain store and a few months down the line you start to realize that Henrietta is actually a Henry. Now what do you do? Keep him? Rehome him? Keeping a rooster is not for everyone and you will have to evaluate your flocks’ needs before making a decision. I will provide some pros and cons in order to assist with this decision.
PROS
Fertilized Eggs
Hens will lay eggs with or without a rooster, but having a rooster means you will have fertilized eggs. This helps with self sustainability as you will be able to hatch your own chicks to grow your flock and replace older hens if needed. It could also provide a financial boost. You can sell hatching eggs or chicks to other homesteaders.
Flock Protection
A rooster’s instinct is to guard his flock. He will always be on the lookout for danger and will warn your hens if he senses a threat. While a rooster is no match for a large predator such as a fox or coyote, he may be able to chase off smaller predators. I have witnessed our own rooster, Richard, chase away a hawk after it attempted to grab one of his hens.
Flock Mediator
Most hens will get along fine after establishing a pecking order, and many flocks live in harmony for years without a rooster. However, there will still be squabbles among the flock and roosters tend to referee the hens and keep the peace. I have also noticed that our rooster seems to herd our hens when free ranging and keeps them all close together rather than spread out across the yard. This makes it easier for him to watch over the flock as a whole.
Food Scout
Roosters want their hens well fed and will act as a scout for food. He will alert his flock when he finds a tasty snack such as a worm, bug, or seed. I have even watched our rooster bring food over to his hens and drop it at their feet. You will notice this behavior most with a free ranging flock.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Roosters are just beautiful creatures. They tend to have stunning feather colors and patterns. Some backyard chicken keepers even go to poultry shows to compete and show off their rooster(s).
CONS
Over-mating
During mating, a rooster will stand on a hen’s back and grab her feathers. Too much mating will lead to feather loss on the hen’s back or neck and can sometimes lead to injury. This typically occurs in small flocks where there is an improper hen to rooster ratio. I have had the best luck with 12 hens to 1 rooster ratio. Roosters also tend to have favorites. He will most likely mate 1 or 2 hens more than the others. If you do start to notice feather loss you can remedy the situation by equipping your hen with a Chicken Saddle
Noise
Some homesteaders do not enjoy listening to the cock-a-doodle-do of a rooster. Personally, I do not mind it and we do not have any neighbors close enough to hear him or complain about him. Keep in mind that some towns do not allow roosters for this reason so check your town ordinance before deciding to add a rooster to your flock.
Aggression
Roosters in general are territorial as it is part of their instinct to protect their flock. However, some roosters will be a bit more aggressive than others, especially toward their caretakers. If you raise your rooster from a chick and handle him frequently, the chances of him being aggressive towards you are relatively low.
