Chicken Keeping Secrets

Last week we addressed a question from Royce about whether egg shape is an indication of the sex of the chick. Thanks to all of you who responded. Below are a few of the responses that indicate the overall experience you all have had in regards to this…

“I have allowed hens to hatch out eggs according to shape and the round egg for hen and pointed egg for rooster was correct from my experience.” ~ Laura Fowler

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While we’re on the subject of roosters, I thought we’d take the time to answer some quick questions you all have sent that require short answers…

“Do you have to have a rooster to get your hen to lay eggs?” ~ Dana 7 years old

Hi Dana, thanks for writing.

A hen will lay eggs with or without a rooster. If you want to hatch chicks though, you need to have a rooster.

“This may sound stupid but can you have a rooster neutered? I want a rooster but I do not want chicks. Rooster’s are beautiful and I love to hear them crow. I also want protection for my three hens.” ~ Carol

Carol, there are no stupid questions.

Trust me, if you’re asking, there are a lot of people out there wondering the same thing. (more…)

“Is there a way to limit a young rooster from crowing or is there anything that you can do to “condition or train” him from excessive crowing. He doesn’t bother me, but I live on the edge of a camp and I get some mild complaints from volunteers who sleep in nearby cabins about his night crowing. I don’t want to get rid of him and I would even spend a little money to limit or eliminate his crowing if it wouldn’t harm his health. Let me know” ~  Harris

We haven’t addressed noisy roosters in quite some time so I’m glad you wrote as this is a common question.

Roosters crow – a lot.

This is not news to those of you who have roosters but if you’re new to keeping chickens, you may be under the impression that roosters only crow at day break. Crowing to announce the coming day is only one of the times a rooster instinctively crows.

It seems that a rooster crows whenever he feels the need.

Sometimes he will announce his presence to other roosters, even up to a mile away.

It’s a territorial thing. Sometimes he is calling to his ladies when he’s feeling amorous or to warn them of a predator in the area. He’ll even let them know when food is available. It seems that roosters will also crow out of boredom. (more…)

“Hi Wendy and Duncan! I have a huge rooster who insists on attacking me when I am out in the yard doing lawn care. I have never mistreated him, but raised him as a pet last summer with several hens. Over the winter he has become meaner and will go into the ninja attack mode without provocation. His spurs are quite large and can do some damage. I don’t want to have to kill him – we got him by accident in with pullet chicks. But… I would like to feel like I can go out into my yard without being threatened by him. Any suggestions? Thanks.” ~ Ina Eaton (South Carolina)

Hi Ina,

I’m sorry you’re having such problems with your rooster.

It’s actually not uncommon to have a really mean bird.

Sometimes their aggression is directed only toward other roosters, other times they turn their aggression toward people.

If you’ve ever been scratched up by a mean rooster, you’re likely to be cautious around him from that point forward.

However, most of us keep chickens because we enjoy it, no one is forcing us.

So when keeping chickens isn’t enjoyable because of a mean rooster, it’s time to take action. (more…)

“I have a small flock of 5 of my favorite breeds (Delaware, Amerecauna, Buff Orpington, Welsummer & Barred Rock). I ordered a Delaware Rooster in my latest chick order as the hens are so friendly (they come running to be petted) and I’d like to see if they will hatch some eggs for next year. However, I also wanted Welsummers and had to order straight run instead of pullets. If I should get a rooster in that batch of 6 ordered (which is highly likely) can I keep two roosters in a flock of about 20 in the chance I might get some purebred Welsummer chicks from a broody hen or would that cause only trouble. Thanks for any advice you can give.” ~ Linda Steiger

Hi Linda,

I’m glad you wrote. We have three of the five breeds you mentioned, and enjoy them tremendously.

Firstly a quick note to those who may not be familiar with the terminology regarding Linda’s orders – If you order baby chicks as “straight run”, you could get hens or roosters, or any combination of the two. If you order pullets, you have a 97% chance of getting hens only. Straight run chicks are generally cheaper for this reason.

You are right to assume that you’ll get a rooster in your straight run, at least from my experience. (Then again, I’m one of those people who always end up in the slowest line at the grocery store so maybe my luck is different than most people.)

In general, with the breeds you mentioned, you’ll only want to keep 7-12 hens for each rooster.

Your plan of 2 roosters in a flock of 20 hens is perfect. When they are young, roosters can attend to more hens but as they get older, too many hens will result in low fertility. Too few hens result in tired out, torn up hens and roosters who fight with each other. (more…)