My rooster is making a purring noise????

[gway2008]

I bought a pair of Gold Laced Wyandotte yesterday that are just over a year old. They both seem very sweet and gentle. I have held them both several times and they seem to be very comfortable with people and enjoy attention and petting. I have noticed though that when they are in the tractor together and I walk by, the rooster makes a very strange noise that sounds almost like a purr. I am wondering if this is an aggression or warning thing? Or is he talking to his hen? I have no clue and am not sure what to do when he does it or if I should do anything at all? Please help? The lady I got them from was really sweet and she said that this rooster has always been very nice and was not alpha at all. She said she has a different rooster that is alpha so I am wondering if that might have something to with this as well? I just got this handsome guy yesterday and have yet to hear him crow or make any noise besides the purring sound.
Please, anybody have any ideas?

 

[gritsar]

When my birds feel threatened the whole flock, they run into one of their safe zones and then they all start purring. It's interesting to hear when there are 14 of them purring.
IMO, it's not an aggression thing on behalf of your rooster. More that he/they are still a little afraid of you. They'll get used to their new digs and you in time.

 

[Mahonri]

He's warning his companion....

 

[Emzyyy]

Mine purr all the time nothing to worry 'bout!

 

[gway2008]

That is sort of what I was thinking but I just wanted to make sure it wasn't an aggression thing or anything. I gave them a treat tonight and am trying to spend some time with them. I have been surprised at how nice and sweet the rooster is. He is definitely a keeper, lol.

Thanks everyone..

 

[vermontgal]

I think of the purring noise as being the aerial predator alert. You're not aerial, unless you're VERY tall.

I don't have a rooster, but when my girls see a hawk, they all freeze and make a purring noise.

The ground predator alert is different - short, loud staccato - and they stand with necks craned, not completely frozen.

 

[ChooksChick]

I have a special needs roo who is currenly living inside, and he purrs when he's particularly content and getting ready to sleep- he also makes a special noise when he sees me that is similar, and a little different one for my kids. They all have that trill sound, though.

I think it's far less hysterical sounding than the aerial threat noise...I think it's nice.

 

[Mrs. Glassman]

My roo does it when the roo in the next coop over mounts that one's ex-girlfriend. I don't know what it means, but given the situation, I imagine he's cussing under his breath.

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

When my whole flock does this, the noise goes for a few second and I'm usually out there making it with them.

But if there is no threat, I, as the leader, make a few clucks like the alpha would to signal that everything's okay and the threat has passed. Sometimes a few of our hens will run back home anyway.

Another sound you might notice is called a 'hawk'. It sounds like a deeper version of a parrot squawk but only one time and it's very short. Hawking is another danger noise, once again, exhibited more often by a rooster. Giving you the head up, you might come across it in due time.

 

[Shazzorama]

well I just tried your alpha male cluck that everything was ok but they all freaked out and ran and jumped into a tight pile in the corner of their run...guess I pronounced it incorrectly.