Here Are Some Frequently Asked Questions About Roosters

Q: What is the benefit of having a rooster?
A: Roosters serve a great purpose in the flock. Their main job is to protect the hens, and we observe this in our roosters all the time. They are always looking for threats and even allow the hens to eat first so they can keep watch for predators during feeding time. Their other main job is to fertilize the eggs.

Q: Can you have more than one rooster?
A: Yes, you can. We currently have several grown roosters and a bunch coming up in the ranks. A rooster will protect several hens at a time. Each rooster develops his own flock and stays within that group of hens. So one rooster will travel around the yard with maybe 5-10 hens and we’ll have several flocks roaming at a time.

Q: Do roosters fight?
A: Not regularly. They will create a hierarchy though. Sometimes one rooster will challenge another. We see this especially in young ones just starting to enter into maturity. Once they get their crow, they might challenge one of the other roosters, but they are quickly put in their place. Or if a new fully grown rooster enters the flock, the others will put him in place when he arrives. But once order has been established they all settle down.

Q: Are all roosters mean?
A: We have had some pretty mean roosters. Breed and individual temperament does seem to influence their behavior. Even some that we have incubated and raised by hand have turned out to be somewhat aggressive. Roosters that are overly aggressive toward humans or that harm the hens will end up on our dinner table. But the majority of our roosters have been very kind and gentle.

Q: Do roosters lay eggs?
A: You would be surprised how often I am asked this question! No, just like with humans only the females produce eggs. Roosters’ bodies were designed by our Creator to fertilize the eggs that the females produce.

Follow This Humble Homestead for more homesteading content!

#roosters #roostersofinstagram #frequentlyaskedquestions #chickensofinstagram #chickens