my roo is a jerk

[TrystInn]

We've been pretty fortunate with our standard Cochin rooster, Big Blue. He's incredibly protective of his ladies, so he's always keeping them nearby. When one of the dogs get too close he'll stand up on his tip toes and flap his wings, while giving them the stink eye. Same with the barncat, Libby, who is incredibly unimpressed with the whole mess.

Thankfully, he hasn't come after me or hubby. Granted, he's less than 8 months at present. The only time he's charged anyone was when a neighbor's child thought it'd be fun to chase the chickens around the yard. We managed to convince him that was a very bad idea, as well as convince her!

 

[serendipityfarm]

Thanks everybody! I feel better now.

My little roo has been doing the little sideways dance at every other chicken as they come out the door in the morning. It's a new thing for him. Should I be worried?

I have 4 LF girls (BO, LB, 2 Cochin), 1 Silkie, 5 bantam Cochin girls and the 2 bantam cochin roos. So far they seem to each have their own little harem. Sammy, the alpha roo seems most interested n the 4 big girls and the Silkie, and Little Joe takes care of the little girls. Is that weird? I have seen each mating while the other is present and there has never been any fighting. What are the chances they will continue to get along? All the bantams are around 5 months or so and the LF about a month older, and the Silkie's a year old. Seems to be a harmonious little group so far.

On another note: The funniest thing is the first time Sammy really came into my space looking like he meant business was when I picked up Joe (he squeals like a baby). Obviously he considers him part of HIS flock, right?

I have horses and dogs, so am familiar with pack and herd dynamics. I love watching the flock interact! I definitely believe you can learn almost all you need to know by watching how they communicate with each other.