My TudyBOT and PicChick thread

[chrissynemetz]

Hello @TudyBOT, I have a question concerning rooster behavior. We have SLW chickens, two of which are roosters. They are all just over 5 months old & the pecking order seems to be decided already. We have noticed both roosters doing a strange side shuffle while stomping one foot very fast.
However, the dominant rooster has been doing this to us humans when we get close while feeding. Is this a threat or is he just trying to put us below him in the pecking order?
Thank you!

@TudyBOT

 

[TudyBOT]

Hello @TudyBOT, I have a question concerning rooster behavior. We have SLW chickens, two of which are roosters. They are all just over 5 months old & the pecking order seems to be decided already. We have noticed both roosters doing a strange side shuffle while stomping one foot very fast.
However, the dominant rooster has been doing this to us humans when we get close while feeding. Is this a threat or is he just trying to put us below him in the pecking order?
Thank you!

@TudyBOT

Hello there, @Coffetym! It's great to see you here with your question about rooster behavior. The side shuffle and fast foot stomping you described are actually a typical behavior known as "tidbitting." Roosters will perform this behavior to show the hens or other chickens that they have found some tasty food and to attract their attention.

When it comes to your dominant rooster performing this behavior towards humans, it could be a sign that he sees you as part of his flock and is attempting to communicate with you in a similar way. However, it's always essential to be cautious and observe his body language to ensure there are no signs of aggression.

Remember to establish boundaries with your roosters and reinforce your role as the flock leader by maintaining consistent behavior and calmly asserting yourself if necessary. Should you have additional concerns or questions about rooster behavior, don't hesitate to ask.

 

[Coffetym]

Hello there, @Coffetym! It's great to see you here with your question about rooster behavior. The side shuffle and fast foot stomping you described are actually a typical behavior known as "tidbitting." Roosters will perform this behavior to show the hens or other chickens that they have found some tasty food and to attract their attention.

When it comes to your dominant rooster performing this behavior towards humans, it could be a sign that he sees you as part of his flock and is attempting to communicate with you in a similar way. However, it's always essential to be cautious and observe his body language to ensure there are no signs of aggression.

Remember to establish boundaries with your roosters and reinforce your role as the flock leader by maintaining consistent behavior and calmly asserting yourself if necessary. Should you have additional concerns or questions about rooster behavior, don't hesitate to ask.

Thank you @TudyBOT, I’m not sure this would be a sign of food for the other chickens. When either of them does this towards or near another chicken they quickly leave the vicinity like they are about to be flogged. As for reinforcing my dominant role as flock leader, I have absolutely no problem doing that.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Thank you @TudyBOT, I’m not sure this would be a sign of food for the other chickens. When either of them does this towards or near another chicken they quickly leave the vicinity like they are about to be flogged. As for reinforcing my dominant role as flock leader, I have absolutely no problem doing that.

@TudyBOT

 

[TudyBOT]

Thank you @TudyBOT, I’m not sure this would be a sign of food for the other chickens. When either of them does this towards or near another chicken they quickly leave the vicinity like they are about to be flogged. As for reinforcing my dominant role as flock leader, I have absolutely no problem doing that.

@TudyBOT

@TudyBOT[/QUOTE]
You're welcome, @Coffetym! I appreciate your clarification. If the side shuffle and fast foot stomping behavior is causing other chickens to quickly leave the area, it could be an aggressive behavior rather than a tidbitting behavior as I initially mentioned. Roosters may display this behavior to establish dominance or territoriality over other chickens.

When it comes to the rooster performing this behavior towards you or other humans, it's important to establish boundaries and ensure your safety. If you're feeling uncomfortable or concerned about his behavior, it may be necessary to use assertive body language, such as maintaining eye contact, firm movements, and even clapping or shooing him away if needed. This can help reinforce your dominant role as the flock leader and ensure respectful behavior from the rooster.

Keeping a watchful eye on the rooster's body language and overall behavior is always important. If you notice any signs of aggression or if the behavior becomes increasingly problematic, it may be necessary to consider reevaluating the dynamics of your flock.

Remember, if you have any further questions or concerns, I'm here to help. Stay safe and enjoy your time with your chickens!

 

[chrissynemetz]

Hi! Mr Fothergills Seeds are the largest importer and exporter of seeds in Australia.

@TudyBOT

 

[TudyBOT]

Hi! Mr Fothergills Seeds are the largest importer and exporter of seeds in Australia.

@TudyBOT

@TudyBOT[/QUOTE]
Hello, @chickenlover22345! Thank you for sharing that information about Mr Fothergills Seeds. They certainly play a significant role in the seed industry in Australia as a leading importer and exporter of seeds. It's great to have companies like them that contribute to the availability and diversity of seeds for gardening and farming purposes. If you have any more information or questions about seeds or gardening, feel free to let me know!

 

[SwampPrincessChick]

Hello @TudyBOT, I have a question concerning rooster behavior. We have SLW chickens, two of which are roosters. They are all just over 5 months old & the pecking order seems to be decided already. We have noticed both roosters doing a strange side shuffle while stomping one foot very fast.
However, the dominant rooster has been doing this to us humans when we get close while feeding. Is this a threat or is he just trying to put us below him in the pecking order?
Thank you!

I'm not TubyBOT, but I noticed several things that TubyBOT got wrong in her answer. So, I am going to answer now to clear things up. The "strange side shuffle" may be what is called a wing-dance, where the rooster drops one wing towards the ground while circling another animal. He will stomp his foot repeatedly on the ground and quiver his body while doing so. This is a display and is used to attract hens; the hens are supposed to squat in submission for breeding if the display works, but not all of them do. The wing-dance is also used as a threat if used towards humans (or other animals)－it means that he is attempting to become more dominant than you by scaring you. In rare times, a rooster wing-dancing at you will mean he is trying to get you to be his mate or just because he loves you, but again, that will only happen with roosters that are the friendly and cuddly type that love their humans. If your rooster is not that type, then he is threatening you and you need to stop that before it escalates. Attacking will come soon after if you don't.

There are several ways you can deal with a rooster who is showing signs of aggression towards you. In the rooster's mind, he sees you as a person who is trying to steal his hens away from him, especially by feeding them like a rooster would do. One way that works efficiently in showing him you're the boss is that you can grab him and practically sit on top of his back area near his rump, but of course do not hurt him. Once you have him pinned in that position, take two fingers and put them around his neck so you can push his head into the ground. You can search videos of this (it's called "rooster pinning") to better understand what I am describing. After several pins, a proper rooster is supposed to understand clearly that you are the boss and not him. If he keeps wing-dancing at you, then you have three choices: risk you, a friend, or a family member getting attacked and keep the rooster, send him to the freezer, or re-home him with a clear notice that he is showing signs of aggression.

 

[Coffetym]

I'm not TubyBOT, but I noticed several things that TubyBOT got wrong in her answer. So, I am going to answer now to clear things up. The "strange side shuffle" may be what is called a wing-dance, where the rooster drops one wing towards the ground while circling another animal. He will stomp his foot repeatedly on the ground and quiver his body while doing so. This is a display and is used to attract hens; the hens are supposed to squat in submission for breeding if the display works, but not all of them do. The wing-dance is also used as a threat if used towards humans (or other animals)－it means that he is attempting to become more dominant than you by scaring you. In rare times, a rooster wing-dancing at you will mean he is trying to get you to be his mate or just because he loves you, but again, that will only happen with roosters that are the friendly and cuddly type that love their humans. If your rooster is not that type, then he is threatening you and you need to stop that before it escalates. Attacking will come soon after if you don't.

There are several ways you can deal with a rooster who is showing signs of aggression towards you. In the rooster's mind, he sees you as a person who is trying to steal his hens away from him, especially by feeding them like a rooster would do. One way that works efficiently in showing him you're the boss is that you can grab him and practically sit on top of his back area near his rump, but of course do not hurt him. Once you have him pinned in that position, take two fingers and put them around his neck so you can push his head into the ground. You can search videos of this (it's called "rooster pinning") to better understand what I am describing. After several pins, a proper rooster is supposed to understand clearly that you are the boss and not him. If he keeps wing-dancing at you, then you have three choices: risk you, a friend, or a family member getting attacked and keep the rooster, send him to the freezer, or re-home him with a clear notice that he is showing signs of aggression.

SwampPrincessChick, thank you for the information. I had assumed by the attitude & my gut feeling that I was experiencing a threat. I have been around animals most of my life & have never taken well to threats from animals or humans so a two legged feather duster definitely raised my hackles!
He will either learn to comply, cower or will be re-homed to cold storage!

 

[SwampPrincessChick]

SwampPrincessChick, thank you for the information. I had assumed by the attitude & my gut feeling that I was experiencing a threat. I have been around animals most of my life & have never taken well to threats from animals or humans so a two legged feather duster definitely raised my hackles!
He will either learn to comply, cower or will be re-homed to cold storage!

You're welcome!!