Rooster behaving strangely?

[BonDEEroo]

This morning I heard an unusual purring sound coming from behind the door of the hen house. It was a bit like the noise a hen makes when she settles down to lay, but louder and growlier. I looked in to see who was laying, and there was our Silkie cross rooster (pictured), sitting in a nest of straw he had made, watched by one of the hens.

I had to go away and laugh - I try not to laugh at them; they seem to understand and resent it. He looked so funny, as if he was playing charades with the hen. I think he was trying to make her feel comfortable and settle down to lay. She is a bit of an oddball and is trying to get free of the 2 chicks she hatched about 3 weeks ago (she’s not a very good mother).

Is this usual rooster behavior?

 

[Abriana]

Yes it is normal rooster behavior, he is helping the hen try to find a place to lay. Roosters will even get into the nesting box, then start clucking or purring.
Once I had a rooster in the house and he knew the hen inside the box (a huge roomy box) wanted to get out to lay an egg and so he clucked and clucked like a madman at a hole until she escaped. Then she ran around pooping everywhere until she found a little box full of shavings.
Anyway, completely normal behavior, and quite fun to watch.

 

[BonDEEroo]

He’s a lovely rooster, unselfish, protective and kind to his hens.

 

[Abriana]

He’s a lovely rooster, unselfish, protective and kind to his hens.

He just wants to help them. You have a wonderful rooster there!

 

[Abriana]

Oh and I should also mention he’s super cute!

 

[BonDEEroo]

 

[alexa009]

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Sweet rooster!

 

[Abriana]

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I like his hairdo!!

 

[BonDEEroo]

Thank you so much everyone! The photos don’t do him justice, he’s got cream colored feathers on his neck and back, contrasting with the pure white. He’s only young but has produced some pretty offspring - this one’s mother is a lavender Araucana.

 

[BonDEEroo]

He’s a good dad too!