How to Take Care of a Rooster?

Without a rooster, you're missing out on a fascinating aspect of chicken behavior, as well as missing out on raising your own baby chicks. Roosters can be some of the most chivalrous creatures you've ever witnessed, calling their hens over to a particularly tasty morsel they've found and protecting the flock against predators. Though roosters have the same basic needs as hens---a safe place to scavenge and roost, nutritional food, and companionship---there are a few rooster-specific care tips you should know about if you want to keep your rooster happy and healthy.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog toenail clippers
  • Styptic powder
  • Heat lamp, optional
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Instructions

    • 1

      Realize that there is no way to keep your rooster from crowing. You need to live in an area where this won't be a problem to take care of a rooster. If you live where there are noise restrictions or neighbors who may complain, stick with hens.

    • 2

      Provide your rooster with companionship. Though some roosters get along well with other roosters, it's best to pair a rooster with at least one hen rather than with another rooster. Most roosters do best when they live with a few hens.

    • 3

      Handle your rooster on a regular basis, especially when he's young. Roosters can become highly independent creatures, and will fight back if they feel threatened. Regular handling will accustom him to you so you can easily catch him if you need to.

    • 4

      Reprimand your rooster if he attacks any of the birds in your flock or any people. A light swat is enough to reprimand a docile rooster, while you may need to chase a more aggressive rooster to show your authority. Start correcting your rooster as soon as you get him, or you may end up with a dangerous bird.

    • 5

      Trim your rooster's spurs if they get so long that they cause him discomfort or get him caught in fences. Have an assistant hold the rooster as you use dog nail clippers to trim his spurs. Only cut off the part of the spur that has no pink underneath it. If you cut into the pink area, you're cutting into the rooster's flesh. Dab styptic powder onto the cut if you accidentally make him bleed.

    • 6

      Protect your rooster from frostbite, especially if he has a large comb and wattles. An insulated chicken coop can protect him and the rest of the flock from frostbite in most climates, though in extremely cold climates, adding a heat lamp is a good idea.