Keeping a cockeral

[senna]

Hi Everybody. I am new to the forum but have had my chickens for about 6 months. I was talking to a breeder yesterday, who suggested I should consider keeping a cockeral with them, as this would make for a happier atmosphere and offer a degree of protection against predator's, at this time I have no intention to breed from my chickens and wondered if introducing a cockeral would be worth it. I am 100% certain the breeder was not just trying to offload an unwanted cockeral. I would be grateful for your comment.

 

[Anonymous]

It is more natural for a flock to have a cockerel,I personally really like my cockerel's.They do call the girls to come and feed,call them to go to bed etc.
As regards breeding,if you've got a cockerel,he will obviously fertilise the hens,so their eggs are fertile.This doesn't stop them from being eaten and being used in the usual way.
What breed of hens do you keep?

 

[Anonymous]

Hey Senna
Will your neigbours be OK about the noise from a cockeral? What will be your ratio of hens to the cockeral, if you only have a few hens they can be badly scruffed up by the cockeral from intensive mating. I have found the flock is just as content without a male, but it is fun to watch the interactions once a cockeral is introduced and a cockeral will break up fights between the woman folk when pecking order is challanged.

cheers essie

 

[victorias poultry]

I personally find the cockerels are nicer to look at, more colourful and they are great to watch. It depends on how near to your neighbours you are and is they would mind listening to crowing in the mornings.
Hen ratio is also something to take into consideration, really they need to be at least 4 hens to 1 cockerel as a minimum.

Regards Sue

 

[senna]

Thanks everybody for the info, all very helpful. I have a mixed flock of 6 hybrids and they all differ in personality, neighbours are not a problem as I am isolated. I do worry about the feather problem as my birds all look fabulous most of the time, I do spend a lot of time watching my girl's and like the idea of the interaction between them and a new man in their lives, but again worry about how they will feel. Regards, Senna

 

[dawn]

Hi Senna, I'm quite new too - to the forum and to keeping chickens. I had two cockerals and one hen at first (not intentional, they were all supposed to be hens). I then got two more hens to balance it, and had to give one cockeral away when they started to fight. I found the boys very gentle and friendly to me - more than the hens. I can always guarantee my remaining one will let me pick him up and have a cuddle, with the girls they have to be in mood. He'll call them to feed, and shepherd them around the garden. They all cluster round him on the perch at night or when it's wet and he'll also sit with them when they lay sometimes, particularly when the little ones were just starting. I don't find him too noisy, and have tolerant neighbours. Even though I don't intend to breed from mine I'd definately always have a cockeral now.

 

[podstable]

I love the cockerels--I keep 9, when not separated off for breeding they all run around together with no. problems - I have one that I separate - he is very gentle but just a lot bigger than the others -if he got in a scrap with my old bald/over frizzled boy ,poor old boy would have no chance! On the odd occassion I have had one that would not mix or went for me continually-these have been relocated purely so as not to disturb the balance. The noisiest,most ferocious and persistent in crowing is TINY- a mini bantam silkie-he makes more noise and fuss about everything than any of the others. As far as defending his girls-against you-I think you need to just be aware that a few will rush at you when you pick out one.I think the easiest boys Ive had to deal with are the silkies. SAVE THE COCKERELS!!!!!! :lol: Ros