An Unexpected Benefit to Having Roosters

[3KillerBs]

Last summer when I had a hen-headed flock of adult females and juveniles I couldn't get them to go in to roost so that I could close up until if was fully dark.

In the last few days that they've been allowed out after Avian Flu lockdown, I have seen the roosters rounding up the girls and taking them to roost at dusk -- a good 20-30 minute earlier than last year.

I don't have to try to herd birds into the coop because they're doing it for me.

The two of them even appear to be working together deliberately, with one of them near the door blocking what could be an escape route while the other brings the last of the late-stayers along the fence.

I don't think anyone ever told me that the boys might do this.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I can't have roosters but my mom does and has told me about this benefit. I would love to have a rooster! A good rooster who protects his flock, alerts you to trouble and keeps the hens in order sounds lovely. Right now I have to settle for boss hens I suppose

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I love watching the roos round the girls up at night. Lord help the poor stragglers. Good roosters are an asset to a flock.

 

[McChooky]

Last summer when I had a hen-headed flock of adult females and juveniles I couldn't get them to go in to roost so that I could close up until if was fully dark.

In the last few days that they've been allowed out after Avian Flu lockdown, I have seen the roosters rounding up the girls and taking them to roost at dusk -- a good 20-30 minute earlier than last year.

I don't have to try to herd birds into the coop because they're doing it for me.

The two of them even appear to be working together deliberately, with one of them near the door blocking what could be an escape route while the other brings the last of the late-stayers along the fence.

I don't think anyone ever told me that the boys might do this.

My 10 month old pullets never went to roost before dark then I added a 2 yr old rooster( 5 months ago) They didn't roost on the same roosting bar with him for 3 months. Now they all go to roost before dark together and roost on the same bar.He switches which hens he sleeps beside lol