Roosters are gorgeous and majestic, the iconic poultry specimen. That said, I do not have them in my flock and haven’t had for many years.

Most roosters are extremely aggressive once they reach sexual maturity (about six months old). After that, they are prone to attack you or your children.

Don’t roosters protect the flock?

Contrary to the idea of the noble rooster protecting his flock, more often than not our roosters spent more time harassing the hens.

If you get a serious predator like a raccoon or fox, even the burliest rooster will be no match, especially at night when these varmints attack.

Ready for a 24-hour serenade?

And the crowing. Roosters do not just scream at day break. They crow around the clock, disturbing you and your neighbors.

But what about eggs?

The idea is that, without a rooster, your hens will not make eggs. Not true. The female of almost every species makes eggs no matter what. If you have no roosters, you will have no fertilized eggs, so no baby chicks.

That said, hatching your own chicks is overrated, in my opinion. There are good reasons for just buying them.

You’ve been warned.

I know it’s romantic to have a towering rooster commanding your flock. But unless you want to hatch your own chicks, I recommend against it.

Kevin

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