Are roosters suppose to protect chickens?

[terrilhb]

I went out one night to get one of my hens. I had saw she was limping. It was dark out. I picked her up and started to walk away. She screamed and screamed. Out came the rooster. He loves me but he was trying to attack me. I could not turn my back or he would have got me. I have hawks fly over and all 3 roo's chase their hens into their coop and they stay in the runs and scream. But the 3 runs are covered so I don't worry to much.

 

[aoxa]

My rooster is a warning system only. Doesn't seem to go out of his way to protect... He warns them about my dogs and cats, but he doesn't go after them like some of the spunkier hens.

My younger cockerel.. I believe he will be more protective when he is older. He is still pretty young though.. He's a BR, so he will be big

My older roo is only a silkie

maybe he just picks his battles?