Rooster having fit (?seizure?)

[DuaneC]

I have a barred rock rooster that has exhibited an unusual behavior and I've only seen it when he's been around the 'ladies'... And no, I'm not talking about that...

I have uploaded a 5 second clip to YouTube so you can take a look and tell me if this is something I should be concerned about. He exhibits no other unusual behavior. Odd things is, I have a bantam Silkie Cross roo that is a month or so younger than Henry and he's had this type of 'episode' a couple of times too. With Henry, though, it usually happens at least once anytime I'm out there with them long enough.

Thanks!

 

[Blueicebird]

Its not a seizure. My Puck does that too... It's a goofy mating thing.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

He is enchanting the ladies with his dancing. It is to get the ladies to acquiece to mating. Also it can be used as a show of dominance to other males.

 

[Blueicebird]

If I were a chicken, I would be laughing so hard an egg would pop out.

 

[sourland]

It's the 'wing dance' part of the courtship behavior. If he does it to you, it may be an invitation to fight.

 

[The Red Rooster]

Haha!!! That's VERY NORMAL!!! My rooster does that all the time!

It's a mating behavior.

Edited for typo.

 

[cmom]

! agree, he is trying to impress the ladies.

 

[ChickenPeep]

Haha! Thats a mating dance!

 

[DuaneC]

Ok, it seems the overwhelming vote is that this is normal, but ol' Henry looks like he's having a stroke! I was pretty sure it had to be some kind of semi-normal activity, but I don't ever remember seeing it in chickens when I was young. I guess I was too busy playing to pay attention.

I wanted to think he was fine, but he will sometimes go into 3 or 4 left-right turns around the 'girls' doing this and he looks like he's either a dweeb or has brain damage!

I guess men doing crazy things to attract women's attention isn't limited to humans. I just wonder if the hens think Henry's as crazy as most women think men are...