Paternal Instincts in Roos?

[bonnylass79]

Last week one of my 2 week old chicks dug his way out of the yard. I came home to find him sheltering from the rain under one of the roosters on top of the chicken tractor. No idea how long he'd been out, but I'm assuming the roos also protected him from becoming hawk food.

Last night hubby goes out to lock up the chickens for the night and all three chicks are in the yard huddled under my other rooster. He was afraid to walk because he was so worried about stepping on them. When hubby tried to move him, he held up one shaking leg to avoid stepping on the chicks.

Yes, I plan on arming myself with a camera from now on to capture the cuteness on film. I've always been cautious about allowing roosters with chicks because I assumed they would try to hurt them. Has anyone else had a rooster or roosters who actually took care of the chicks?

 

[horsejody]

I once had a rooster that adopted 2 kittens. He doted on them and guarded like a hawk. Hw was a good daddy right up until the day he was martally wounded by a dog while protecting his babies.

 

[mandelyn]

Most of the bantam roosters I've had seemed to care about the welfare of the chicks. Either by feeding them, sheltering them, allowing them to roost under their wings. Usually it was older chicks who's momma decided they were done.

I've also had non-broody hens steal chicks, or offer protection as well. Lazy hens who favor the easier route of adoption? LOL

I showed an egg to my rooster today, he talked about it and rolled it even! He let's his girls sleep under/over/on/next to him, hen, pullet, or baby he doesn't care. I'd imagine he'll be a great daddy rooster some day.

 

[JoAnn_WI_4-H_Mom]

I've heard different breeds have different levels of caring in the roosters. There was a lovely story of Barnevelder roosters insisting on helping with the parenting.

We have yet to have adults and young stock at the same time, so no personal experience here.

 

[jafo]

Our rooster "Blue" is a very protective, very watchful 'ol man. If they are out freeranging, and one of his girls is popping out an egg, when she's done and starts cackling, he come's a running to get her and bring her to the party. A real gentleman.

 

[bonnylass79]

As promised, absolute cuteness.

So tonight I went to do the head count and only found two chicks.

Looked in the nest boxes, the rafters, the outside run, even checked the fence to make sure he hadn't dug his way out again. No sign of the chick. So I decide to move the rooster, thinking he's blocking my full view of the nest box. When I hear a loud peep, I realize I've found the chick.

 

[the simple life]

My blue silkie roo use to protect any and all chicks that I integrated to his flock. He would chase off the other chickens that tried to bother the babies and he would cover them with his wings.
Him and the wife adopted all the babies I hatched. It was awesome, I never had to worry about any of the babies.

 

[mylittlezoo]

 

[Ldyjarhead]

Quote:
This is just the cutest thing!

 

[jadeflower999]

OMG! I didn't see the baby under his wing at first, how cute!!! What a good papa