Bard saves my hen!- EVERYONE NEEDS a barred rock rooster!

[Marie2020]

So, yesterday morning, I let my 10 hens and 1 barred rock rooster out to free range while I read so I can watch them. I have done this many times with no problems. While I was reading and feeding them treats, I noticed one of my hens was starting to wander a bit, but this is usually no issue. Then, as quick as a flash I hear a wooshing sound and my rooster flew 10 feet away and started fighting with something. I moved closer to get a better view and he was fighting a HUGE hawk trying to grab my hen. The hawk kept trying to attack him from above, but Bard returned each attack with slashing and clawing. Then, Bard jumped at the hawk, and I thought he had killed it. Luckily, the hawk got up, ruffled his feathers, and flew off. Also FYI, I was trying to get involved in the fight but It was hard to do as I was trying to put the other chickens in the coop, get the hen to safety, I didn't want to get hurt, I didn't want Bard to get hurt, and I didn't want any of the hens to get hurt. Oh and I forgot to mention that not only is Bard THE BEST at protecting the girls, but he is very sweet and cuddily. I HIGHLY recommend getting a barred rock rooster. (Hopefully the hawks ok, they are pretty tough, right???)

I applaud Bard Well done you brave lad

 

[Marie2020]

Way to go Bard! I. So glad that you have a brave rooster like him.

I understand not wanting the hawk to be hurt but it would have been better if Bard had killed it. The hawk will be back again and again. And if it surprises Bard the outcome next time will not be good. They are not afraid of you of him for that matter. I have lost multiple chickens to a hawk that I have no means of getting rid of.

Hopefully the little crap heap will land on a spike . Hateful things

 

[Birdsong 82]

I have a barred rock roo too. ‘ Sgt Pepper’ and I cannot agree with you more. Definitely the protector but at the same time such a gentleman
I’m glad you had him there!

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

So, yesterday morning, I let my 10 hens and 1 barred rock rooster out to free range while I read so I can watch them. I have done this many times with no problems. While I was reading and feeding them treats, I noticed one of my hens was starting to wander a bit, but this is usually no issue. Then, as quick as a flash I hear a wooshing sound and my rooster flew 10 feet away and started fighting with something. I moved closer to get a better view and he was fighting a HUGE hawk trying to grab my hen. The hawk kept trying to attack him from above, but Bard returned each attack with slashing and clawing. Then, Bard jumped at the hawk, and I thought he had killed it. Luckily, the hawk got up, ruffled his feathers, and flew off. Also FYI, I was trying to get involved in the fight but It was hard to do as I was trying to put the other chickens in the coop, get the hen to safety, I didn't want to get hurt, I didn't want Bard to get hurt, and I didn't want any of the hens to get hurt. Oh and I forgot to mention that not only is Bard THE BEST at protecting the girls, but he is very sweet and cuddily. I HIGHLY recommend getting a barred rock rooster. (Hopefully the hawks ok, they are pretty tough, right???)

Wow! Thats a crazy story Chicken Love! Up close and personal with a hawk you have been! I've seen plenty of hawks circling above but never witnessed one barrel down on my flock. When they do get too close, i alert my 5 hens by using a very specific voice. They always will take cover appropriately while i get between them and the 'monster'. Yesterday tho, Patience took the front line with me and wouldnt budge. She was right by my side ready for a fight. The others stayed frozen in place behind me until the threat was gone. Shes bottom of the pecking order, Patient is, but always the first one to protect, investigate and taste any new food item in question. The hawk was only there for about 15 seconds before slowly drifting away. We then scratched on as usual.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

Oh, no, leave him as 'Bard' It is usually someone of intelligence (poet, wordsmith, etc....or could also be a proper noun as in 'Bard of Avon'. Kind of like Lord or Duke, but with less of a noble/royal intent. Still, I think it makes him sound both smart and stately...and clearly he is both...so I vote to keep the name

Bard of the Hens!

 

[Chicken love to infinity]

Yesterday afternoon, Bard was fighting with a hawk through the wire. I noticed it somehow had cut his left waddle badly. I called the vet and she prescribed some anti-bacterial creme, I have to apply it twice a day. Hopefully, he should heal soon! Also, here is a pic of him in my niece's lap. He literally melts when you hold him!
Uggghhhh Bard! Would you stop scaring me to death!?! I don't want you to hurt yourself!

 

[Kanekoded]

Bravo, Bard!!

 

[Chicken love to infinity]

Wow! Thats a crazy story Chicken Love! Up close and personal with a hawk you have been! I've seen plenty of hawks circling above but never witnessed one barrel down on my flock. When they do get too close, i alert my 5 hens by using a very specific voice. They always will take cover appropriately while i get between them and the 'monster'. Yesterday tho, Patience took the front line with me and wouldnt budge. She was right by my side ready for a fight. The others stayed frozen in place behind me until the threat was gone. Shes bottom of the pecking order, Patient is, but always the first one to protect, investigate and taste any new food item in question. The hawk was only there for about 15 seconds before slowly drifting away. We then scratched on as usual.

I literally have a hen named "first". She was the first at everything! Drinking, eating, finding the heat lamp, finding the treats, laying, etc. Now I call her frost or frosty, as all the other hens have caught up, and she has nothing to be "first" at lol.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

I literally have a hen named "first". She was the first at everything! Drinking, eating, finding the heat lamp, finding the treats, laying, etc. Now I call her frost or frosty, as all the other hens have caught up, and she has nothing to be "first" at lol.

Patient got her name because she was without a name when she became my patient. In the house for a full week due to having her comb ripped almost clean off. She was scratching in the run and i think, got to close to the harware cloth and she must have pulled her head back and rriipppp. She is such a good patient too. Shes molting now and lookin' rough but shes cluckin' along. Patiently waiting for a new set of feathers.

 

[My Very First 6 Chickens]

Patient got her name because she was without a name when she became my patient. In the house for a full week due to having her comb ripped almost clean off. She was scratching in the run and i think, got to close to the harware cloth and she must have pulled her head back and rriipppp. She is such a good patient too. Shes molting now and lookin' rough but shes cluckin' along. Patiently waiting for a new set of feathers.

If you zoom in, you can see her comb all curled up