Rooster Prices in 2023: Purchase Cost, Supplies, Food, and More!

Nothing completes a flock of chickens as well as a rooster! If you’re adding one to your coop, it’s important to know all of the costs that are involved. The last thing we want for you is to undertake an unforeseen expense.

There are a plethora of factors to consider when buying a rooster, including the species. It can be confusing and many farmers and homesteaders can feel lost when looking online. Don’t worry!

We’ve gathered all of the information you’ll need to make the entire process as easy as possible! Let’s take a look at the overall cost of roosters, the supplies, and medical care.

Benefits of Owning Roosters

Although hens are happy to lay eggs without a rooster, if you want the egg to be fertilized, you’ll need a rooster. Additionally, a rooster is responsible for warning the hens when an intruder is around. Naturally, a rooster guards the chickens.

When your hens are allowed to roam free, keeping a rooster is even more helpful since he will keep an eye out for hawks and other predators, alerting your flock in time for them to run for cover if necessary.

The rooster also chooses desirable spots for nesting. There is a strict pecking order in groups of chickens. For their position, hens will engage in vicious combat, and some of them are outright bullies.

The conflict between hens and roosters rarely occurs, however. Additionally, they won’t take part like hens do when it comes to bullying. Roosters are even known to step in and break up a fight between hens!

How Much Does a Rooster Cost?

Young roosters can occasionally be purchased for a mere $10. However, the price per rooster might range from $1,000 to $1,500 based on a number of variables that are discussed below.

Additionally, despite being exceedingly uncommon varieties, there are several exotic rooster breeds that may run between $1,000 and $2,500.

Some uncommon adult breeds can cost as little as $150 or as much as $500, depending on a number of factors. Often purchasing a very costly, rare rooster really isn’t financially viable when other costs, such as upkeep, are taken into account.

How Much Does A Dong Tao Rooster Cost?

If you’re looking for a rare rooster, look no further than a Dong Tao. Due to their lack of brooding and inability to be good moms to newly hatched chicks, Dong Tao hens are a factor in why this breed is so uncommon.

Because they may weigh as much as 15 pounds, many farmers simply buy them for their meat. They are recognized for having huge legs, which also help them move quickly. Depending on the circumstances, the price may range from more than $1,200 to $2,500, but it’s crucial to remember that they are typically offered in pairs.

How Much Does A Cockerel Rooster Cost?

Young roosters known as cockerels often attain sexual maturity between the ages of a few weeks and one year. In the flock, they are also seen as teenagers, which frequently causes them to feel abandoned and forgotten.

However, they start crowing at three months and continue until they are 16 weeks old. They lack distinctive feather shades and are smaller than adult roosters. Cockerels frequently change the sound of their crowing as they get older.

Although people don’t always end up wanting to purchase cockerels, their price might range from $15 to $50. This can be a great budget option for those looking to save money.

How Much Does An Onagadori Rooster Cost?

Onagadori is a Japanese word that translates to “the honorable fowl.” These roosters are incredibly uncommon; in fact, there were just 250 of them when the number of specimens still in existence was recorded in the records in 1952.

Even if it’s becoming less prevalent now, attempts are still being made to increase its availability everywhere, not only in Japan. They are renowned for their stunning looks and their long, feathery tails.

The more purebred this rooster is, the more it will cost you. The price may vary from $1,400 to almost $3,000.

How Much Does a Modern Game Rooster Cost?

Among the most attractive and elegant rooster breeds are said to be Modern Game. They appear to be bragging about their appearance and are haughty as they stroll through the yard. They are distinguished by their tall, upright posture and extraordinarily long legs.

Despite the fact that it can be fairly territorial, it is not really employed for mating. Modern Game might cost anything from $20 and $50. However, depending on how old the rooster is, the price can drastically change.

Factors That Affect the Price of a Rooster

Breed

Purebred roosters are almost always preferred. Since purebred animals have a wider range of colors than crossbred animals, the more purebred animals are, the more desirable they are going to be on the market.

You should budget less than $100 if you want to purchase a hybrid rooster or even one that is unregistered.

Age

Mature roosters can be acquired for $10 to $50, but a lot of farmers are not interested in purchasing them. Older poultry are more susceptible to illness and would rather be kept separate if they felt that the rooster was sick.

This defeats the purpose of getting a rooster in the first place. Just like when you’re adopting a dog, the price will decrease as the rooster gets older. The average lifespan of a rooster is between six and eight years.

In light of this, the price of a juvenile rooster from an ordinary breed ranges from $100 to $500, and it may even be higher if the breed is unique.

Location

One of the most crucial elements is where you’re getting the rooster from. A local breeder or farm is a far better option when looking to purchase a rooster than an online business. In addition to the better price when purchasing online and from licensed breeders, there are regulatory expenses and delivery costs.

When buying online, you’ll also want to factor in shipping costs. This is typically an extra $10 to $20.

Additional Expenses When Owning a Rooster

Food

You will spend roughly three to four dollars per month on rooster food. If you add leftovers from your kitchen or let them roam free, you can reduce this cost. Commercial feeds are designed to be your bird’s entire nutrition, so you won’t need any extra fix-ins.

Chicken Coop

If you purchase a chicken coop from a retailer, the price ranges from $200 to $2,000 on average. You can build your own with a few bucks and a bit of sweat equity. Most farmers doing it themselves use pallets, chicken wire, and nails.

Healthcare

On occasion, you will need to purchase medication for your roosters This includes deworming meds, mite treatment, respiratory medication, and wound care. Once you have a well-stocked first aid kit for chickens, all you need to do is replace items as you use them or if they expire.

Litter and Sand

You’ll pay roughly $5 a month for litter. Among the most common choices for coop litter are pine shavings or straw. Sand in a farmer’s run costs them an average of $60 per year. To refill the sand in the run area, it’s suggested to buy roughly 20 50-pound bags of sand from a home improvement or farming store.

The roosters will still require a bit of sand to consume for grit regardless of whether you put it on the run or not.