Rooster sounds

[sillygrilla]

My 2.5 year old buff orpington rooster Cecil has been making a sound that sounds like a cat yowling (quietly!) or a toddler whimpering, like "Raou raou raou raou raou". He just started doing it this summer. I usually hear him do it when I am in the coop in the evening as they are settling in for the night, he will walk around like he's checking up on everyone, making this sound. I have also heard him a couple of times in the run as he is standing in among a group of hens and chicks. I'm wondering if there is a meaning to this sound like "all is well" or something. Can anyone tell me about this?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Chickens make lots of different vocalizations. Sounds like an alarm call that could also mean they should pay attention to him. A good rooster is an asset. He makes sure all hens are up on the roosts before he goes to roost. Mine will also round up stragglers.

 

[sillygrilla]

Chickens make lots of different vocalizations. Sounds like an alarm call that could also mean they should pay attention to him. A good rooster is an asset. He makes sure all hens are up on the roosts before he goes to roost. Mine will also round up stragglers.

Thanks! That makes me wonder if he is thinking I'm a threat? He's a wonderful rooster, is very gentle and sweet, has never been aggressive, and looks out for his flock well.

I also have a lot of chicks this year that currently range from 5 to 14 weeks. Is it possible that he is training the chicks to turn to him for their safety?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I think it's to get everyone's attention so that everyone looks around and comes to him. It's a fake version of an alarm call that has the same effect. I don't think he's doing it because of you, but with chickens you never know.

 

[sillygrilla]

That makes sense. Thanks for your thoughts on this.