Cock-A-Doodle Don"t? - What Everybody Should Know About Roosters in Chicken Runs and Coops
Best Arguments Against The Noble Rooster 1.
Depending on where you live, having roosters in your chicken huts might not be an option for you.
Many cities (like Seattle, WA and Baltimore, MD) have an outright ban on roosters.
Be sure to check your local laws before you include one in your chicken runs and coops.
2.
Roosters can be more high-maintenance than hens.
Why? Well, the birds have a well-deserved reputation for being pretty noisy and most city folks don't take too kindly for being awakened by crowing at the crack of dawn.
Some roosters also can be a bit ornery, if not chosen carefully for an agreeable personality.
And, if you ever let a rooster escape from your chicken runs and coops, good luck getting him back in without a struggle.
Roosters are notoriously difficult to catch - watch out for those heel spurs! 3.
You only need roosters in your chicken shed if you plan to breed your chickens or sell fertilized eggs.
Hens are perfectly able to lay eggs for you to eat (or to sell) without a rooster.
Just think: there are no roosters on those big, industrialized chicken farms - just lots and lots of hens.
However, if you want to raise baby chicks or if you have a strong preference for the taste of fertilized eggs (some say there is a difference, although this is debatable), you absolutely must include roosters in your chicken runs and coops.
The Most Convincing Argument FOR The Noble Bird 1.
All else aside, the word on the farm is that hens are happier and more peaceful with a good rooster around.
Why? a.
It lifts a biddie's spirits to have a fine fellow pay attention to her.
b.
Roosters are exceptionally good at protecting hens.
With a rooster, you'll have a little more help warding potential predators away from your chicken huts.
c.
Early-morning crowing can be stopped with a simple fix.
Don't let your rooster see the sunlight before you want him to wake up - just black out the windows in your chicken huts at night.
Many report that a simple blanket or tarp can do the trick easily.
d.
Not all roosters are overly aggressive - you just have to choose the right ones! The key is to have the right number of roosters for the number of hens in your chicken huts (no more than 1 rooster per 10-12 hens).
Too many roosters in your chicken huts means that you will have more than your fair share of fights to contend with! Ideally, you also want to choose a rooster with an agreeable personality that gets along well with your hens.
(A really aggressive rooster can rough up your hens).
Depending on where you live, having roosters in your chicken huts might not be an option for you.
Many cities (like Seattle, WA and Baltimore, MD) have an outright ban on roosters.
Be sure to check your local laws before you include one in your chicken runs and coops.
2.
Roosters can be more high-maintenance than hens.
Why? Well, the birds have a well-deserved reputation for being pretty noisy and most city folks don't take too kindly for being awakened by crowing at the crack of dawn.
Some roosters also can be a bit ornery, if not chosen carefully for an agreeable personality.
And, if you ever let a rooster escape from your chicken runs and coops, good luck getting him back in without a struggle.
Roosters are notoriously difficult to catch - watch out for those heel spurs! 3.
You only need roosters in your chicken shed if you plan to breed your chickens or sell fertilized eggs.
Hens are perfectly able to lay eggs for you to eat (or to sell) without a rooster.
Just think: there are no roosters on those big, industrialized chicken farms - just lots and lots of hens.
However, if you want to raise baby chicks or if you have a strong preference for the taste of fertilized eggs (some say there is a difference, although this is debatable), you absolutely must include roosters in your chicken runs and coops.
The Most Convincing Argument FOR The Noble Bird 1.
All else aside, the word on the farm is that hens are happier and more peaceful with a good rooster around.
Why? a.
It lifts a biddie's spirits to have a fine fellow pay attention to her.
b.
Roosters are exceptionally good at protecting hens.
With a rooster, you'll have a little more help warding potential predators away from your chicken huts.
c.
Early-morning crowing can be stopped with a simple fix.
Don't let your rooster see the sunlight before you want him to wake up - just black out the windows in your chicken huts at night.
Many report that a simple blanket or tarp can do the trick easily.
d.
Not all roosters are overly aggressive - you just have to choose the right ones! The key is to have the right number of roosters for the number of hens in your chicken huts (no more than 1 rooster per 10-12 hens).
Too many roosters in your chicken huts means that you will have more than your fair share of fights to contend with! Ideally, you also want to choose a rooster with an agreeable personality that gets along well with your hens.
(A really aggressive rooster can rough up your hens).
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