Rooster pretending to lay?

[catface]

I have a year old English Orp rooster who I caught today in a nest box acting like a hen. He would scratch around in the bedding until he had a nice nest and then he'd squat there and cluck like he does when he's calling the girls for treats. The hens came running and watched him for a few minutes while he did this and then he got out of the box and went on like normal. Anyone ever see this before? I have no idea what he was doing.

 

[Judy]

Some of them do "tend to" the nests. I suspect it is part of the protective urge, somehow, like saying this is a safe place to lay your egg.

 

[catface]

That's kinda what I was thinking. He was obviously calling the girls to come see. He's never done this before though (that I know of) and I have 12 nest boxes. He was in one they never use.

 

[Teila]

Can I borrow him?! lol

I need someone to show my 5 girls that they have 4 nest boxes and do not need to fight over the same one .. maybe he can visit and show them how to use the others as well

 

[catface]

Ha All my girls use the same 2 boxes no matter what. And I've got 14 hens right now! Maybe he's tired of them fighting over the same boxes.

 

[Teila]

Ha All my girls use the same 2 boxes no matter what. And I've got 14 hens right now! Maybe he's tired of them fighting over the same boxes.

lol

True, he is probably sick of the squabbling; it is his way of saying "look, try this one, very nice!"

 

[Judy]

Ha All my girls use the same 2 boxes no matter what. And I've got 14 hens right now! Maybe he's tired of them fighting over the same boxes.

This was amusing, but I wonder if it is also true. Part of his job is to keep the peace between his hens -- and he does sound like he is going to be a "good rooster," one who knows his job well.