My Rooster

[Kimberjo2]

My rooster has been lifting his leg and before stepping down on it he stretches it all the way back behind him before putting any weight on his leg. He has been an absolute awesome guy and this behavior is concerning. Other than this issue he seems to be healthy and well alert, attentive to his brood!
Any ideas?

 

[sourland]

Does he do this every step or only occasionally. If only occasionally there is probably no reason for concern.

 

[rjohns39]

Hi and welcome to BYC We're so happy you've decided to join us As @sourland said, if it's occasional many of us call it chicken yoga.

 

[Kimberjo2]

Does he do this every step or only occasionally. If only occasionally there is probably no reason for concern.

Pretty much every step...if he is scratching with the hens he can occasionally take a slight step forward without the issue. We've had him for 10 + yrs. and this is way out of his norm! I'm pretty sure it's not yoga!

 

[Talithahorse]

If he is over 10 years of age, he likely has a bit of arthritis. When he walks does he limp or does he just need to stretch the old joints out before moving?

 

[sourland]

I'm guessing he is showing and feeling his age with arthritis.

 

[Kimberjo2]

Thanks sourland and Talithahorse...probably is arthritis and his old age, I just hate seeing him showing it, he has been such a gentleman and so attentive to his flock all these years!! I named him Jean Claude but call him RoosTah' as he answers to.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @Kimberjo2 You have received some good suggestions about your rooster. I agree, his actions are most likely age related and he probably has a bit of arthritis.

I just wanted to say

We would love to see photos of your sweet boy - 10yrs old, he's a rock star!

 

[micstrachan]

Yes, please share a photo of your awesome guy!

 

[Sunshine Flock]

What on earth does a ten year old rooster even look like?

If I dare tell my husband your rooster's age, he's going to absolutely flip his lid. He's already having a hard time dealing with the fact that the chihuahuas could live to be twenty.