My Rooster - Protector or Big Sook?

[krista74]

Howdy all,

Just wondering if the debacle I witnessed this afternoon was my rooster being a big brave protector, or a big wimpy sook!

I was sitting in the coop this afternoon watching my pullet, Biscuit, lay her first egg (yay!) when all of a sudden I heard my rooster George let out the most distressed call I have ever heard from a chicken. It was a loud, constant and long screech.

All of a sudden, he came flying into the coop, with a hawk right on his tail.

There was some flapping in the doorway as he raced in (in a panic, as you would), and I raced out to frighten away the hawk.

When I looked around the run, all of my girls were hidden and lying flat under the bushes.

Did he abandon them and fly into the coop to save himself? Or was his work (getting them to hide) done, and he was then protecting himself last?

I thought he was meant to fight to the death to protect them - not run away? Maybe I am expecting too much? Or maybe this is normal?

I guess my question is: Is my rooster doing what he is meant to do? Or was he being a big fat powder puff?

- Krista.

 

[Judy]

It sounds like he got them to hide, then drew the danger away from them, as he is supposed to do.

 

[centrarchid]

Rooster gave warning call then produced a display likely to distract hawk from noting hens hiding. His retreat is a mix of outright self preservation and a positioning of potential of actual contact in a location where hawk does not have the advantage of flight. Some roosters can turn tables on hawk once in a confined area which most hawks likely have a sense for.


From roosters perspective he was scared but that does not mean he can not get the upper hand. I have never observed a rooster fight a predator to the death as many seem to advocate. They will fight sometimes but are picking about the context and much of it is actually display rather than actual violence.


Hawk species important with respect to observations, as well as breed, size, and age of rooster. Even cover options available to flock plays a role.

 

[krista74]

Hmmm, so it's a matter of "I don't want to fight you, but if we have to fight - let's do it here, in my territory, where I have the upper hand against you."

Oh, clever Georgie!

It certainly worked anyway, as when he flew into the coop the hawk came face to face with me and then flew off. Everyone, including George is safe.

- Krista