Roosters are noisy, aggressive, and don't lay eggs - so, why have a rooster?
Well, I may have made them sound like a useless menace, but that's not the case at all.
There are a number of reasons why you might want to own a rooster, and doing so might just be the best decision you ever made!
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Why Have a Rooster? Here are 5 Compelling Reasons!
I will admit that there are pros and cons to owning a rooster. But, in my opinion, the pros far outweigh the cons!
Here are 5 of the most compelling reasons why I think you should consider owning a rooster:
1. Roosters Are Natural Protectors
The main role of a rooster in the wild is to protect their flock, and they will instinctively do this in a backyard setting, too.
Roosters will raise the alarm (by crowing) and aggressively defend a flock of hens from predators and strangers.
They are constantly on the lookout for danger and will do whatever it takes to keep their flock safe - even if it means putting themselves in harm's way.
While you might not think you need protection from wild predators, there are other dangers out there you could do with being notified of, like roaming dogs, cats, and rodents.
2. Roosters Help Keep the Peace
Roosters help maintain peace within a flock by establishing a social hierarchy.
They will often be at the top of the pecking order, which means they will be the first to eat and get access to the best nesting spots.
This social order minimizes fighting and keeps the flock calm and cohesive.
If you have ever owned chickens, then you know that they can get a little feisty with each other from time to time.
A rooster can help reduce the amount of fighting and keep the peace. Plus, hens tend to get along better when there is a rooster around.
3. Roosters Help Keep Chickens Healthy
Roosters will also eat or kill some of the insects and other pests that can harm your chickens and share foods that will benefit hens.
This means they will help keep your chickens healthy by helping them scratch around for tasty, protein-packed treats.
Roosters will also peck at things like mites and lice, which can cause your chickens a lot of discomfort.
4. Roosters Are Colorful and Fun
Hens are fun to watch, but roosters are a whole different story!
They are colorful, often have comical personalities, are more curious and willing to explore than hens, and are fun to watch.
Plus, they make great pets!
Many people think that roosters are aggressive and mean, but that couldn't be further from the truth.
Sure, they can be a little feisty at times, but they are also gentle, loving, and make great companions.
If you are looking for a fun and unique pet, then a rooster might be the perfect choice - unlike hens, they are happier living on their own.
5. Roosters Fertilize Eggs!
If you want to hatch your own chicks, then you will need a rooster.
Roosters are needed to fertilize eggs, without them, you will only end up with infertile eggs.
Hens still lay eggs without a rooster in the flock, and it doesn't matter if eggs are fertilized or not if you're eating eggs.
But if you want to incubate and hatch eggs, you'll need a rooster in your flock actively mating with your hens.
Related - Roosters cannot incubate eggs - but they might sit on them ocassionally!
Can a Chicken Lay Eggs Without a Rooster?
Yes, chickens can lay eggs without a rooster present. Hens will lay eggs regardless of whether or not there is a rooster in the flock.
The only time you need a rooster is if you want to fertilize your hen's eggs so that you - or someone else - can incubate and hatch baby chicks.
Having a rooster in a flock changes the dynamic a bit, but it's important to know that it doesn't matter if eggs are fertilized or not.
Fertilized eggs do not taste any different. In fact, you'll not even notice if they've been fertilized unless you start to incubate an egg or let a hen sit on it.
Why Do We Not Eat Male Chickens?
The main reason we do not commonly eat male chickens (roosters) is that they are not as good for meat production.
Female chickens (known as hens) are bigger and grow faster, which makes them better for eating.
Plus, roosters are often more aggressive than hens and can be difficult to handle, which is another reason why they are not used for meat production.
It's also said that rooster meat is stringier and tougher. Traditionally, roosters have been eaten, and they would be canonized at an early age so the meat would be more tender.
It really comes down to cost, as well as supply and demand. There just isn't the demand for rooster meat, and it costs a lot more to produce it.
In Summary
In my opinion, there are several reasons why you might want to consider adding a rooster to your flock.
Roosters can help keep the peace, protect against predators, and even fertilize eggs. They also make great pets!
However, do some research before you decide whether or not a rooster is right for you, as they do have some downsides (early morning crowing anyone?).
