New Member Asking: How Much Protection Can I Expect From a Rooster?

[Mattole]

I have heard about roosters fighting to the death if necessary to protect the flock - sounds like a great idea! And yet our rooster has apparently gotten out of the way on two occasions when a neighborhood dog came and killed our chickens. The second attack occurred yesterday when I was in the house. I ran out as soon as I heard distressed squawking to find the rooster safely perched on the truck while the dog was killing one of our beloved Speckled Sussex in the yard.

The dog (a husky-wolf mix) is being dealt with by the owner and will hopefully be given away to a home that can better deal with him. But regarding the rooster: am I expecting too much in wanting a roo that is willing to put himself in harm's way to protect the hens?

Thanks in advance for your help. Great forum you have here!

 

[farmerlor]

Well, just from personal experience, not an expert opinion or anything, I've lost three roosters to predators with minimal or no losses to the rest of the flock. I wasn't there to observe so I don't know if the roosters stood up and fought the predators or if they're just bigger and slower and didn't get out of the way in time. I have seen them attack crows and cats that came in the yard and I've seen them call the girls over to eat when he digs up some especially yummy worms. So I'm thinking that typically roos have some protective instincts-whether that means fighting to the death or not? I don't know.

 

[Cara]

They usually get themselves killed first, then the predator kills the others.

 

[FireTigeris]

Your roo is chicken...

 

[tonini3059]

Well mine only act as sentries, warning the girls of danger, none have actually fought anything off. They see it, they scream, then run away faster than the hens. I would like to actually have one that is fairly aggressive since our biggest problem is cooper's hawks and I think a determined rooster would be able to drive it away. I was thinking about one of the games, but have no idea really what kind to get.

 

[gryeyes]

Ummmmm..... just how long do you think a rooster CAN fight a dog until it has reached the "to death" level? 'Bout 5 seconds, at which time the dog has snapped its neck.

 

[LovinMyHensInNC!]

I have two Great Pyrenees who would never hurt my hens but do like to chase them out of their space. I have on numerous occasions seen my rooster dodge in front of the dogs thinking they were going to hurt his hens. I guess it just depends on the rooster. However, my roo is not aggressive towards people.

 

[cafarmgirl]

I have a very good rooster but I view him as more of a sentry/warning system for the girls then actual physical protection. He watches and gives the warning and they run to cover. A rooster is still just a chicken and though he may try he is no match for most predators although a simply playful or wimpy dog can sometimes be run off by a mean rooster. As another poster said, a rooster can be dispatched very quickly by a dog or other predator that is intent on killing.

 

[Mattole]

Thanks for your replies. It surprised me that I did not hear anything coming from the rooster as a warning call - I only heard the hens. Actually the first sound I heard was like the sound of a hen telling the rooster that she was not interested in being mounted. Then came a more insistent, alarmed sound, which sent me outside. But not a peep from the rooster.

Tomorrow this rooster is going back to the feed store where I got him from a few months ago. Partly because he is continuously aggressive towards my wife, even when she shows 'top rooster' behavior towards him. But also because we want a rooster that will at least act as a sentry to warn the hens (and my wife and I) of any danger to the flock!

 

[newchickengirl]

Im gonna add a lil bit to this if you dont mind. I have a mixed barn yard flock along with several game roosters. In My yard flock I almost have two many roos. Most of them being mutts (meat with game) chickens. Ive got some roosters that will chase anything and I also have roosters that will scream when anything flys over them. I think it really depends on the personality of that particular rooster. Ive heard of roosters defending his flock from hawks, cat, dogs etc but have yet to experience it. The best roosters tho that Ive seen actually "take care" and run everyone to a hiding place would have to be My games. They are overly aggressive by nature with other roosters but are not agressive to people. But dont get that wrong, you mess with one, he knows who you are for life. Anyways, Its always good to have at least one rooster with the ladies as they do not eat as much as the hens and are usually on the lookout for predators. Good luck with whatever you decide.