Broody rooster?

[MommyTwiggy]

Hi everyone,

Ok I have a reaaally weird situation here. I have a Cochin rooster who keeps wanting to sit on eggs!
Is this normal? Should I just let him be? I worry he might accidentally step on the eggs before the mama hens actually get a chance to do their job!

 

[azygous]

Ah, gender roles. Lots of folks see a rooster in a nest box and they think, oh, that seems weird. But many roosters do have strong nesting instincts, and some will even sit on eggs. Not only that, but occasionally one will share in the care-giving of chicks after hatch.

Yes, they are big and clumsy, and occasionally an egg gets broken. But this behavior is normal, and while you have the prerogative to discourage it, I suggest you stand back and let the chickens decide what they want to do. Keep us posted as to how long this "commitment" lasts. Wouldn't it be a hoot if he lasted the full three weeks and the chicks emerge into the world under their pop? Take pictures!

Enjoy your very charming and domestic boy.

 

[chrissynemetz]

It's not as weird as it seems.
If it were me I would leave him be.

 

[MommyTwiggy]

Thanks guys!! It's a first for me So naturally I panicked thinking he might want to eat the eggs or something, haha! Now I realised I was just being silly

 

[aart]

Thanks guys!! It's a first for me So naturally I panicked thinking he might want to eat the eggs or something, haha! Now I realised I was just being silly

Nah, not silly...hey, you don't know, until you know...and you might not know until you ask

 

[KiwiandPeachthePigeons]

Haha, I have a rooster who likes to “guard” the nest box. I have to kick him out so that the hens can lay there .

 

[Silkielove102]

I have a Silkie rooster who gaurds chicks and eggs....

Wait I just realized this...

 

[365username]

Hi everyone,

Ok I have a reaaally weird situation here. I have a Cochin rooster who keeps wanting to sit on eggs!
Is this normal? Should I just let him be? I worry he might accidentally step on the eggs before the mama hens actually get a chance to do their job!

Yes this is fine, in fact it so ok that I’ve read into it and roosters can sometimes be BETTER at taking care of the chicks or hatching them!

 

[365username]

I have a rooster who is kind odd, but likes to go and lay in the nesting boxes but not to eat or sit on the eggs just to take a nice nap. But then it gets funny when our hens want to lay their eggs