Does a Hen need a Rooster to Lay Eggs??

[deb3627]

I was just wondering how many believe you must have a Rooster in order for your hens to lay eggs?? I have come across several who didn't know that it was unnecessary to have a Rooster in order for your hens to lay.. If you are wanting to reproduce and the eggs to be fertile, then Yes , you MUST have that Rooster to mate with the hen so her eggs will be fertile. But for just good ole eggs to eat, your hen will still lay without him.

 

[ZaksGarden]

I'd venture to say the hen is happier without him.

I only have hens, and a lot of people ask me "so you don't get any eggs" and it is such an annoyingly dumb question. It amazes me how few people know that a hen does not need a rooster to lay an egg.

 

[NovaAman]

Welcome to BYC from Michigan

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad you to have you aboard.

 

[deb3627]

Thank you all for the warm welcome.. My Pullets are 17 weeks old.. I can hardly wait until they start laying.. I went to Hobby lobby and bought 3 brown fake eggs to put in their laying nest..I know they are still a lil young, but anything new you put in with them they are weary of..lol...Believe me..they have been on their roost looking in at those eggs already ... I cannot believe how fast and big they have grown since I got them on April 4th and they were just a couple days old..

 

[sumi]

Hello and welcome to BYC

Hope you get some eggs soon!

 

[deb3627]

@ Sumi...thank you for the welcome.. I hope I get some eggs soon as well..It really could be any time, however, my pullets will probably make me wait another 6 weeks..lol..

 

[Red Barn Farms]

 

[deb3627]

The answer is: No, they DO NOT need that Rooster to lay eggs.. : ) Only if you want to reproduce do you need that fella.. : )

 

[liz9910]

from California!