Raising Roosters: Should You Add a Cockerel to Your Flock?
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Should You Get a Rooster?:
If you keep hens, you’ve likely contemplated the idea of having a rooster or cockerel (young rooster) in your chicken flock. But before you make your decision, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why having a rooster in your chicken clan can elevate your homesteading experience, but we’ll also take a look at the potential downsides, with some detailed examples. I have experienced the best of both perspectives and despite the downfalls, I still recommend these gentlemen, with a caveat. Only go into it with your eyes wide open!
1. The Rooster as Guardian of the Coop
Pros:
Roosters, those feathered sentinels, take their job as protectors seriously. They keep your hens safe from predators. For instance, imagine a sneaky raccoon attempting to infiltrate your coop. Thanks to the rooster’s vigilance and loud alarm calls, your hens have a better chance of remaining unharmed.
While my husband and I were building our run, the chickens were free ranging and a Red Tailed Hawk flew down to attack one of our hens. Our rooster immediately sounded the alarm and fought for her like a wild-eyed maniac. My husband walked over there and the hawk flew away, hungry. Thanks to our brave rooster, we did not lose a hen that day.
Cons:
On the flip side, their protective nature can sometimes lead to over-aggressiveness. Picture a scenario where the rooster becomes overly possessive of the hens, attacking anyone who comes near, including you or other flock members.
Like the time I walked outside, everything seemed fine until I heard a rustling behind me. That same rooster who was a hero one day was running up to me with my back turned ready to attack. I took some advice and made myself look big like a crazy person flapping my arms. That didn’t work. He ended up flying at me anyway, I spun around and fell down with him. Luckily that scared him and he ran away. The bruises I obtained after falling on the boulders hurt more than my ego. After that day, I spent some time inside researching how to train a cranky rooster.
2. The Eggstraordinary Fertility Boost
Pros:
Roosters can transform your eggs into fluffy bundles of joy, hatching new chicks and expanding your flock. By having a male around, the eggs get fertilized. Then one day a tiny, fluffy chick peeping out from its cracked shell is brought into the world all because you have your trusty rooster.
Cons:
However, if you’re not interested in breeding, roosters can make your egg collection a bit challenging. Visualize a morning when you approach the nesting boxes, only to face the cockerel’s territorial displays, making it a tad intimidating to retrieve the eggs.
I have been buffeted from behind more than once. Wearing thick material like jeans can make it less intimidating.
3. The Rooster’s Role in Coop Social Life
Pros:
Step into the lively social scene of your chicken coop, where the rooster reigns supreme. Their vibrant personalities and entertaining antics keep the hens happy and engaged. Picture this: your rooster, with feathers, ruffled in a display of grandeur, strutting around, charming the hens with his courtship dance.
The term “henpecking” didn’t come from nowhere. Hen’s can be bullies depending on their breed and circumstances. A rooster will place himself in the middle of a squabble to keep the peace. If you want your hens to remain safe from each other, I recommend keeping a rooster!
Cons:
But beware of the occasional pecking order squabble among your feathered friends. Imagine two roosters engaged in a brief tussle for dominance, which may lead to minor skirmishes in the coop.
4. The Rooster’s Wake-Up Call
Pros:
Bid farewell to your traditional alarm clock. Roosters are nature’s morning heralds, helping you rise and shine with the sun. Envision the tranquility of a morning awakened by the gentle crowing of your rooster. National Geographic explains the reason why they crow at dawn.
Cons:
On the downside, their crowing can be quite loud, potentially causing disturbances for neighbors or even violating local noise ordinances. Picture your neighbors’ grumpy faces as they’re abruptly roused from slumber by your early-rising rooster.
Luckily, we have distance between our properties, and our neighbors are farmers. We are blessed to have them.
Oh and don’t think that roosters only crow at sunrise. It happens at all times of the day!
5. The Rooster as the Gardener’s Helper
Pros:
For gardeners, roosters offer a helping beak by assisting in pest control and soil aeration. Imagine a scene where your rooster scratches the earth, uncovering pesky insects that threaten your garden’s bounty. A limited time in the garden can do wonders for pest control.
Cons:
However, their foraging habits can also lead to scratched garden beds and uprooted plants if not managed properly. Visualize your once-pristine garden looking a bit disheveled due to your rooster’s enthusiastic digging.
Our chickens have eaten my garden produce. It was a bit disappointing but a reality you should be aware of.
6. Rooster – The Symbol of Country Charm
Pros:
Embrace the rural charm a rooster brings to your homestead, creating an idyllic ambiance. Picture a cozy morning on your porch, sipping coffee, while the rooster’s crow resonates through the serene countryside.
Cons:
Yet, their incessant crowing, especially at dawn, might not sit well with those seeking a peaceful morning slumber. Or their dominating demeanor might make that lovely coffee break turn into a morning run. You never run faster than when you are being chased.
7. The Educational Value of Roosters
Pros:
Roosters can be educational for children and adults alike. Visualize a curious child observing a rooster’s behavior, learning about nature’s wonders. My youngest children like to mimic the chickens and do a little dance. It’s a common scene to see them walking around with a chicken under one arm, they are adorable!
Cons:
But keep in mind that not everyone may appreciate the times when the rooster mounts a chicken. It only lasts for a few seconds but it can look a bit rough. You may have to prepare for that conversation ahead of time.
8. Roosters and Increased Egg Production
Pros:
The fantastic thing about roosters, they can boost egg production among your hens. Envision a steady supply of farm-fresh eggs, thanks to your rooster’s presence. Hen’s will lay eggs whether a rooster is present or not, but I have noticed an increase when we have one.
Cons:
Nothing, more eggs are always a good thing!
To Crow or Not to Crow, That is the Question!
Deciding whether to add a rooster or cockerel to your flock is a decision that comes with both advantages and disadvantages.
These charismatic, protective, and entertaining birds can elevate your homesteading experience in many ways, but it’s important to consider the potential downsides as well.
From enhancing security to enriching your daily life with their vibrant personalities, roosters can be a valuable addition, but their crowing, territorial tendencies, and occasional disputes should also be taken into account.
So, before making your choice, carefully weigh the pros and cons, considering these detailed examples, to ensure that welcoming a rooster to your feathered family aligns with your homesteading goals and lifestyle.
When choosing a rooster for your flock, it’s important to find a breed that is known for having gentle, friendly behavior. 15 Kid-Friendly Chicken Breeds: And Which To Avoid is a great article that can help you figure out which rooster breed will work best! For some helpful tips on how to tame a rooster check out this article on Taming a Rooster.
As I bid you a fond farewell, I thank you for meeting me AT FORESTS EDGE. Where I am learning to grow food for my family and homestead while sharing my insights with you. I would love for you to join me on this journey, and subscribe to my newsletter where I share encouragement throughout the year as we GROW HOPE!
Until we meet again,
Raeanna
Raeanna
Raeanna loves her home AT FORESTS EDGE. Cultivating life with a big family in America. She is a Watercolor Artist, Writer, Gardener & a Certified Herbalist.
