Do I Need a Cockerel for Chickens to Lay Eggs?

Do I Need a Cockerel for Chickens to Lay Eggs?

The idea that hens need a cockerel in order to lay eggs is a widespread misconception. In reality, chickens will lay eggs quite happily without a cockerel in the flock. Whether you’re keeping hens for eggs, companionship or both, it’s entirely possible to maintain a productive, healthy flock without ever owning a male bird.

In this post, we’ll explain how egg-laying works, what difference a cockerel makes (if any), and whether keeping one might be right for you.

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Will my hens lay eggs without a cockerel?

Yes, absolutely. A cockerel is not required for a hen to lay eggs. Hens begin laying once they reach maturity, typically around 18–24 weeks old depending on the breed, and will continue to do so regularly as part of their natural cycle.

What a cockerel does is provide fertilisation — meaning that with a cockerel, the eggs your hens lay could potentially hatch into chicks. Without a cockerel, the eggs are unfertilised and cannot develop into chicks, even if placed in an incubator or under a broody hen.

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Are unfertilised eggs safe to eat?

Yes. There is no difference in taste, texture or nutrition between fertilised and unfertilised eggs. In fact, most eggs sold in supermarkets come from hens that have never been near a cockerel.

If you do keep a cockerel, the eggs may be fertilised — but unless the egg has been incubated or sat on by a broody hen for several days, it will show no signs of development. Fertilised eggs are perfectly safe to eat when collected daily, just like unfertilised ones.

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What if I want to hatch chicks?

If you’re hoping to rear your own chicks, then yes — you’ll need a cockerel to fertilise the eggs. Alternatively, you can buy fertilised hatching eggs from breeders or online and place them under a broody hen or in an incubator.

But for daily egg collection? No cockerel is needed.

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Should I keep a cockerel anyway?

That depends on your goals and circumstances. There are some benefits to keeping a cockerel, but also a few important drawbacks to consider.

Benefits of having a cockerel:

• Flock protection: Cockerels are naturally alert and protective. If a predator appears, a cockerel will often raise the alarm and place himself between danger and the hens. I’ve even seen some cockerels trying to chase owners away from the rest of the flock.
• Flock dynamics: In some flocks, a calm and well-socialised cockerel can help reduce bickering among hens and settle pecking order disputes.
• Fertilisation: If you want to hatch your own chicks, then obviously a cockerel is essential.
• Character: Some people simply enjoy their proud strut, early morning crowing and big personalities.

Downsides of keeping a cockerel:

• Noisy: Cockerels crow loudly, and not just at dawn. This can be an issue if you have nearby neighbours or live in a noise-sensitive area. I’ve recently read an article about a man being fined because his cockerel was being a noisy nuisance.
• Aggression: Some cockerels can become territorial or aggressive, especially in spring or if there are young children around.
• Over-mating: A single cockerel can overmate hens if the flock is too small, leading to feather damage or stress.
• Not always welcome: In some areas, especially in urban or suburban settings, keeping cockerels may be restricted by local bylaws or tenancy agreements.

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How many hens do I need per cockerel?

If you decide to keep a cockerel, aim for a ratio of at least 6 to 8 hens per cockerel. This helps prevent overmating and reduces stress on individual birds.

If you keep more than one cockerel, you’ll need significantly more hens and enough space to allow them to form separate groups — or they may fight. I’ve seen some terrible spats between rival cockerels, so if you do have more than one, be prepared that you may need to house them separately if they don’t get on.

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Conclusion

So, do you need a cockerel for chickens to lay eggs? No — your hens will lay perfectly well without one. Unless you plan to hatch chicks or want a cockerel for flock protection or personality, there’s no need to add one to your coop.

For most backyard keepers, an all-hen flock provides plenty of eggs with fewer complications. Personally, I think cockerels are great birds and good fun, and there’s something nostalgically charming about the early morning crowing. However, you have to live somewhere where the crowing isn’t going to annoy your neighbours, he needs to be well behaved, and you’ll need to check your local by-laws to make sure it’s legal to keep one in your area. In addition, check your home’s title deeds or rental agreement, as both of these can have stipulations about keeping poultry. I wouldn’t get one if you’re a poor sleeper, like lie-ins, or your work means you’ll be asleep during crowing hours!