Yes, hens can lay eggs even without a rooster. However, if you want to hatch eggs into baby chicks, you will need a rooster to fertilize the eggs; but hens will lay eggs whether there’s a rooster around or not. Sometimes, farmers choose not to keep any roosters because they can be aggressive and noisy. There are also zoning laws that forbid people from owning roosters.

Here are some benefits of having a rooster

• Roosters will protect the flock from predators.
• Roosters create balance or ‘normalcy’ within the flock. They encourage egg-laying, break up hen fights, and even keep an eye on the nest boxes.
• Roosters are elegant creatures and are oozing with personality.
• You need a rooster if you want to naturally hatch baby chicks.

Disadvantages of having a rooster

• Roosters can be noisy. You can get in hot water with your neighbors or with the law, especially if there are zoning laws that don’t allow them.
• Roosters can be aggressive, and they may attack you, or even small children and visitors.
• They can wear out hens especially if there are too many roosters compared to the number of hens.

Know more about the basic needs of your chickens by visiting your Pooler, GA veterinary clinic. Check out this website to know more.