Should you have a rooster? скачать в хорошем качестве

Should you have a rooster?

Should you have a rooster? Of course, like many apparently simple questions, the answer is – ‘it depends’. You definitely do not need a rooster with your hens to get eggs - a very common misconception! Depending on where you live, your local council might have already made this decision for you – it might be against the law for you to keep a rooster on your property. So if you’re thinking of getting a rooster, first check out the laws for where you live. Even if you are permitted to keep a rooster, you should think about your neighbours, and maybe discuss the idea with them first, in the interests of maintaining good relationships with them. The most compelling reason to have a rooster is to breed your own chicks. If you want to breed chickens, either because you are trying to develop some particular characteristics, or because it’s an economical way to increase your flock, or just for the sheer fun of it, then a rooster is essential – you can’t get fertile eggs without one. If you don’t want to get involved in breeding but you still want to hatch and raise baby chicks, you can buy fertile eggs from someone else who does the breeding – you don’t have the same degree of control over how the chicks turn out, but it’s usually more economical for just a few chicks each season than keeping a rooster all year round for just a couple of batches of chicks. If you keep a rooster all year round, of course you have to house and feed him all year round, not just during the breeding season. Of course if you use him for breeding, some of the chicks will turn out to be boys, and if you’re up for the task, a young cockerel can make a pretty tasty dinner for you, but the question of raising chickens for the pot is another whole question. Even if you don’t intend to breed from him, having a rooster with your hens can provide them with some protection from predators. Many people believe that there is less squabbling amongst the hens when a rooster is also present, because he maintains law and order in the flock. On the other hand, a rooster can be a bit of a nuisance to some hens, causing damage to their feathers and sometimes hurting them with his spurs on their backs. If you have a rooster for breeding, you only need one rooster for about 10 hens – he will easily fertilise all of them. Roosters have a reputation for being aggressive to people as well as to the hens. I simply don’t tolerate an aggressive rooster and I prefer not to breed from one with too much fight in his nature because I believe he will pass that nature on to his sons. The thing about roosters that causes the most debate is of course the crowing. Although there are various tricks and devices to try to keep a rooster from crowing, I’m just as happy to enjoy all aspects of these magnificent birds, including their song. For more fascinating facts, hints and tips about caring for your chickens, and the sheer pleasure of chickens, subscribe to my channel: Chickens in my garden - New Zealand    / chickensinmygarden   Catch up with me on Facebook   / chickensinmygarden