Rooster Information
What do I do with my rooster?
Getting an unexpected rooster is a real possibility when raising chicks, so it is important to know your options ahead of time.
Your main rooster options
If you receive or raise a rooster that you were not expecting, there are generally three main options: keep him, butcher him, or re-home him.
It is a good idea to check your local rules before deciding to keep a rooster, since some cities, neighborhoods, or homeowners associations may not allow them.
Keep Him
If roosters are allowed in your area, you may choose to keep him as part of your flock.
Butcher Him
Some flock owners choose to process extra roosters. If you do not want to do this yourself, you may check with a local butcher shop.
Re-home Him
Re-homing may be an option if you are not able to keep a rooster in your area or do not want one in your flock.
If you want to keep your rooster
If you would like to keep him but are concerned about noise, you could try a No Crow Rooster Collar. These collars may help reduce crowing noise by about 70%.
Make sure to follow the product instructions carefully and monitor your rooster closely if you choose to use one.
Places to check when trying to re-home a rooster
If you decide to re-home your rooster, there are several places you can check:
These are not the only options available, but they can be a good starting point.
Plan ahead for the possibility of a rooster
Since chick sexing is not 100% guaranteed, there is always a chance of receiving a rooster. It is best to have a plan before ordering chicks, especially if roosters are not allowed where you live.
Whether you keep, process, or re-home your rooster, make sure your decision follows your local rules and is the best fit for your flock and household.