I have a 4 year old Old English Game Bantam that tips me off every time a hen is feeling under the weather. I admit it has taken me years to come to this conclusion and trust his judgement!
He is a very attentive and sweet rooster to his flock of 2 OEGB hen and 6 barred rocks. I have witnessed him several times approach a hen and stare straight into her eyes for 5 minutes or more and then suddenly attack the hen and attempt to chase her away from the flock or even deny her access to the coop. I was alarmed the first time I witnessed this and chased him away several times. Sure enough that hen was dead the next day in her nesting box with no signs of a fight having taken place. I had not noticed any signs of illness. I have witnessed this several times over the years with different hens and each time sure enough that hen was ill which I was able to confirm by separating her and observe poop, eating behaviour or laying. As soon as the hen was fixed up and returned to the flock the rooster would do the same inspection and then accept her back and go to find her treats. Has anybody else observed this or am I giving him too much credit?! Lol. He is always the sweetest boy to his hens so I trust his judgement now on the rare occasion I see this. Just very curious. Thanks!
He is a very attentive and sweet rooster to his flock of 2 OEGB hen and 6 barred rocks. I have witnessed him several times approach a hen and stare straight into her eyes for 5 minutes or more and then suddenly attack the hen and attempt to chase her away from the flock or even deny her access to the coop. I was alarmed the first time I witnessed this and chased him away several times. Sure enough that hen was dead the next day in her nesting box with no signs of a fight having taken place. I had not noticed any signs of illness. I have witnessed this several times over the years with different hens and each time sure enough that hen was ill which I was able to confirm by separating her and observe poop, eating behaviour or laying. As soon as the hen was fixed up and returned to the flock the rooster would do the same inspection and then accept her back and go to find her treats. Has anybody else observed this or am I giving him too much credit?! Lol. He is always the sweetest boy to his hens so I trust his judgement now on the rare occasion I see this. Just very curious. Thanks!