Rooster laying down

[Panhandle chick]

Hi ya’Al! I have 30 hens () and up until a month ago just one Roo, Nigel. Super active doing all the normal things. A month ago I brought in Rusty who is 8 months old and getting is crow on. Well now Nigel’s behavior has changed and I see him resting a lot in the day. When free ranging he’s with the girls but laying down and eating. In the morning he perches near the food. Is this normal? No mites or injuries I can see. Thank you for any feedback.

 

[3KillerBs]

Photos?

Where, in general, are you?

If you're in the northern hemisphere the flow of hormones may be damping down for the winter.

 

[Tonyroo]

Sounds normal. Content chickens lounge around the yard and chill out.

 

[Panhandle chick]

Photos?

Where, in general, are you?

If you're in the northern hemisphere the flow of hormones may be damping down for the winter.

I am in North Idaho Panhandle. It has gotten a lot cooler in the last week or so.

 

[aart]

Nigel and Rusty don't fight?
Nigel sitting means he's now the foreman and Rusty is the worker.

 

[Panhandle chick]

Nigel and Rusty don't fight?
Nigel sitting means he's now the foreman and Rusty is the worker.

Ha! Nigel chases Rusty around a bit but I think you are right- this behavior started when I brought him in. I didn’t know 30 hens were too many for one Roo. Nigel is now 3 years old mantle is setting down.

 

[Panhandle chick]

Thanks for the reassurance everyone. I’m still a newbie- we are going through our second molt. So glad they started now- last year they started in October and it was already sooo cold! And I’m not using heat lamps- which seems crazy but they really do adapt.

 

[aart]

Nigel is now 3 years old mantle is setting down.

Could be part of it.

we are going through our second molt.

This is likely part of it too.

I’m not using heat lamps- which seems crazy but they really do adapt.

Only needed in the most harsh of winter climates,
which panhandle do you live in?

Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Panhandle chick]

Could be part of it.


This is likely part of it too.


Only needed in the most harsh of winter climates,
which panhandle do you live in?

Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 3259573

I’m in North Idaho Panhandle about 1 he south of Canada

 

[Panhandle chick]

Could be part of it.


This is likely part of it too.


Only needed in the most harsh of winter climates,
which panhandle do you live in?

Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 3259573

Thank you! Updated my location- thanks for the tip