adult roo dancing for pullets?

[lalaland]

this is the first time I've added pullets to a flock with a rooster. It went great, except that the rooster comes up to the pullets (only 10 weeks old and not mature) and does that little sideways dance - and then bites them on the neck. Doesn't mount (yet), the little ones screech and run away.

Is he really trying to mate?

 

[rhodiegal]

I think when they do that they are trying to establish their dominance over the hens and make order. When the hens get older, they tend to completely ignore the Casanova!

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I agree. He's just making sure the pullet knows he's in charge.

 

[lalaland]

oh good - I sure was surprised when he started dancing. Everyone has settled in - but I noticed the pullets haven't learned to respond to either the alarm call or the treat call.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

Yup, he is dancing for them

He is practicing even if they ignore him.