Rooster sounds frustrated when he gets treats (that he loves...?)

[Kale Chips]

Hello! Yes, HORRIBLE people! And I'm gonna have to try what you do - making that same sound back at him. I often do that, but this vocal reaction had left me too confused to wanna do it back. Excited to try. His behavior is very friendly and respectable towards me, so it's a little relieving to hear that adding hens is probably not a great idea. I did get him a lifesize stuffed hen and I was a bit bummed when he had no interest in it, but maybe that's a good thing!

Right now I am feeding him chicken layer feed (this), but I recently learned that it's meant for laying hens right? I cannot find rooster-specific food anywhere - any suggestions?
For treats he gets scratch with Mana Pro grits, Little Farmer meal worm/seed medly, and when he follows commands or makes progress with doing things I try to teach he will get pieces of tortilla - his favorite. Again, better ideas are very appreciated, if you have suggestions.

Here are some 4 month 'before and after' pics
View attachment 1857229


View attachment 1857232

Wow! That is quite the transformation! I am so glad you decided to keep and take care of him, he is a very gorgeous rooster

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Again, better ideas are very appreciated, if you have suggestions.

Wow, quite the transformation! Looks like he may have been beat up at his other location. Maybe the Stew Pidasso that dropped him off in the cage thought they were choosing the better option. Lucky for him, he found you! He looks great... maybe a Barred Rock, handsome fella!

For feed... I would suggest using an all flock, flock raiser, or starter/grower. Those have different amounts of protein but all should be sufficient and they should have only about 1% calcium, which is what you are really wanting to avoid the extra of inside layer feed. The excess calcium *could* (doesn't mean will) cause gout or kidney issues if fed long term to birds not in lay. Most often in those that are genetically predisposed somehow. I have seen roosters on here 8 years old that only had layer fed to them and still thriving. So I probably wouldn't panic and throw out the layer feed but definitely consider switching when ya can or on your next bag.

I would also suggest that you make sure to keep the scratch and other treats to no more than 10% of his total daily intake. That helps to ensure the balance of vitamins and minerals, also fat and protein are not knocked to far out of whack for the best possible overall health long term.

 

[Chickassan]

Hi! I know exactly what he's doing lol!
I give my rooster the treats first on the ground so he can reap all the glory from his ladies, not me.
When he sees the treat cup he's so exited he starts his calls before the goodies ever hit the ground.
He's a good fella, never eats a single bite himself.
I can hand feed him quietly, he knows those are his and he won't call the girls.
Anything presented on front of him on the ground are brownie points.
Your guy is calling girls he dosent have, it is what he's made to do.
He would be grateful if you got him a couple ladies, i guarentee it.
You've already got him handsome again, but he's got nobody to show it off to.

 

[Shadrach]

In summary: a gangly/scared/pathetic looking rooster was abandoned behind my house (in a cage). I guess a neighbor heard him and opened the cage to let him out. Before I could figure out where the crowing sounds were coming from, he had already decided my yard would be his home.

When he first discovered that I came with the place, I could tell he desperately wanted my company but was overly cautious & had his guard up. Understandably.

It's been 4 months now and we've developed quite the bond. I've established that I am the one in charge (which I learned about here!) and over the past couple months he has transformed into a lively, happy rooster. Unrecognizable from the rooster I met on day 1.

I'm all he's got so we spend a LOT of time together doing different things - playing with ping pong balls, mastering new tricks, digging holes, loads of conversation from discussing how our day is going to griping about the leaf-blower-gardeners in our yard once a week, etc

I've figured out the meaning behind a lot of his vocalizations so our rapport is getting better with each day but there are a few behaviors/sounds that seem to contradict what I'd assume or what I've read. One thing is particularly perplexing to me, and I'm still an amateur so any insight would be super appreciated:

When he sees that I'm coming and I've got the cup of treats in hand, he starts clucking/squawking loudly while pacing frantically in front of me and pecking at the ground as if it's some nervous tick. It's the same noise he makes when he spots me hanging out with my dogs on the other side of the fence instead of hanging out with him on his side.
Sounds like a frustrated rant of sorts. As if I picked the worst time to interrupted him so he starts venting out loud while pretending to be super busy.

He loves treats and only *doesn't* make the sounds if I am hand feeding them to him. This seems to be just when I've got his favorite treats and I scatter them around for him to forage or put them in his dish.
Can't contain his excitement, or unhappy and annoyed?

Casey

Sounds like he's giving the I've found food performance. Seems super cute but it spells trouble ahead. If he feeds you he's going to want to mate with you for his troubles at some point. Lots of people find this disturbing and their reaction is often what brings on aggressive behaviour in the cockerel.
This article may help you understand.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/understanding-your-rooster.75056/

 

[theroosternamedrooster]

I just read your article about roosters. I am bookmarking it so I can refer to it always - I learned so much. Can’t thank you enough for that.

 

[Shadrach]

I just read your article about roosters. I am bookmarking it so I can refer to it always - I learned so much. Can’t thank you enough for that.

I'm pleased you found it helpful.

 

[theroosternamedrooster]

Wow, quite the transformation! Looks like he may have been beat up at his other location. Maybe the Stew Pidasso that dropped him off in the cage thought they were choosing the better option. Lucky for him, he found you! He looks great... maybe a Barred Rock, handsome fella!

For feed... I would suggest using an all flock, flock raiser, or starter/grower. Those have different amounts of protein but all should be sufficient and they should have only about 1% calcium, which is what you are really wanting to avoid the extra of inside layer feed. The excess calcium *could* (doesn't mean will) cause gout or kidney issues if fed long term to birds not in lay. Most often in those that are genetically predisposed somehow. I have seen roosters on here 8 years old that only had layer fed to them and still thriving. So I probably wouldn't panic and throw out the layer feed but definitely consider switching when ya can or on your next bag.

I would also suggest that you make sure to keep the scratch and other treats to no more than 10% of his total daily intake. That helps to ensure the balance of vitamins and minerals, also fat and protein are not knocked to far out of whack for the best possible overall health long term.

Luckily I was getting low on his current food, so I just ordered grower feed. Thank you for your input! Scratch - will now keep that at a minimum by designating certain times of the day for just that (after he's eaten, also).

What do you think about bugs - particularly crickets? Would those be considered food because of the protein they provide or more of a treat?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

What do you think about bugs - particularly crickets? Would those be considered food because of the protein they provide or more of a treat?

I would still consider them a treat and a great source of enrichment (fun)... due to the added vitamins and minerals that come in the chicken feed already being balanced. Since my birds free range, I have no control over that part of their diet but since it's available all the time they seem to self manage differently than when I present things. Many bugs like meal worms are very high in fat. Crickets aren't too bad though. There is a table at the bottom of the page in this link (based on dry matter) with nutritional information on several insect species...
http://www.moonvalleyreptiles.com/crested-geckos/diet-nutrition/feeder-insects

I can't wait to try crickets actually... for my birds/chicks in the future. And watch the games begin!

Cooked eggs are also a great occasional treat that's loaded with nutrition. They are 34% protein and 64% fat according to their energy (caloric) count. Half the protein is found in the yolk as well as many of the nutrients. Protein from eggs is more digestible when cooked according to the research I've done.

While I agree that your cockerel would be pleased to get some hens. I'm not sure you would be pleased with how your relationship will change. It's a very personal choice. He *might* actually do okay bringing up a very young unwanted cockerel (6ish weeks old) if you want him to have a buddy. My head rooster was fine to bring up young stags and teach them manners and live happily/peacefully together. But each situation will be unique. which leads to *maybe* he will still be good to you if you add hens.

I think Shadrach is very insightful, though I don't fully agree with everything, he does offer lot's of great information.

 

[GoatDragonFarms]

Mad props to you for giving this guy a happy home!
As so many have said before me, your handsome fella is tidbitting when he sees you. I have a silkie rooster (with hens, actually) that does this to me every time he sees me, no matter if I have something for him or no. Perfect gentleman, super grateful!

We view scratch and everything not feed like potato chips; yes, you can live on it, but it's not healthy to have too much.

Keep up the amazing work, and keep us posted on this fantastic little guy!