Leading from the front

[Monguire]

I was taught that true leaders always lead from the front. If that's the case, my 11 month old cockerel exemplifies this best quality of leadership.

Background

Rudy and his nine hens were out ranging in the pasture on a sunny afternoon. At about four seconds in, if you don't blink, you can see the tell-tale shadow of a large flying object in the upper right quadrant doing a low-altitude flyby of the chooks (off screen). After everyone raises the alarm, the cockerel comes tearing into the run faster than I've EVER seen him move before. He's moving so fast he actually skids as he slows down for the pop-door, bouncing off the side as he charges his "brave" self into the safety of the run.

Funny as that was, what had me falling out of my chair laughing was my White Rock (#2 hen in pecking order, Chief Terrorizer and Enforcer to the seven hens below her) sauntering into the run after everyone else with the ease of someone strolling through a park. I should add a caption balloon over her and start a poll for the choice words she might be muttering after witnessing the spirited retreat of her brave and gallant protector.

YouTube linkie of my cockerel leading from the front...

 

[sourland]

'The gallant protector' - realistically that is the 'protection' that many roosters provide - a warning system. There are some who will try to face down or attack a predator - they generally get eaten. Great video.

 

[Monguire]

Hehehehe! I try not to have unrealistic expectations of my roosters...but I certainly capitalize on every opportunity to laugh at them!