Rooster squatting over hens but not mating

[wleigh1021]

This is my first experience with having a rooster. I noticed when I introduced new babies in mid November (7 weeks old) that they would walk under him and he would just stand there or slightly squat over them and they would hang out like that, kind of like a hen with chicks. They always lay head to butt and sometimes sleep like this with the hen even laying down on the ground sometimes. I figured he's just keeping them warm or being protective, but just curious if this is normal? Can he pose any danger if he puts his weight on them and they slept like that? I would assume it's ok since they've been doing it for months now and there's been no issues.

 

[IvanK]

Hi!
I'm trying to visualize what you're describing. It definitely doesn't sound like anything harmful and I'm sure if the poults where uncomfortable, they'd move...at that age they aren't so fragile.
If them sleeping too often on the ground is a problem perhaps verify that you have enough roosting space and easy access to it...I'm sure you do though
Moving forward, your roo will be chasing the girls around as soon as they come of age. He should also protect them (to some extent), alert them of potential danger, call them to food sources and fertilize some eggs for you. I usually keep roos with my hens and as long as they're not aggressive, they're great to have around IMO. Enjoy!

 

[chickens really]

Hello.. My Rooster helped with Chicks and yes he is giving them security. I also had a Hen that never was Broody, she would let Chicks that were not hers hide under her.

 

[azygous]

@centrarchid has descriptions of roosters in his flock that actually take turns with the broody hen to brood chicks. https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/what-to-look-for-in-a-broody-rooster.882368/#post-13422514

From other threads on this site, I take it broody roosters aren't all that uncommon. It likely involves genes, instincts, and the fact that hens and roosters are both carrying sex cells of the opposite sex and can engage in behavior of either sex at any given time given the right circumstances.

Therefore, if your rooster is permitting chicks to assemble under him, it would likely follow that he would also possess the instinct to assume a protective squat to warm the chicks without crushing or smothering them.

 

[wleigh1021]

Thanks azygous, this is very interesting! He really is such a good rooster. Unfortunately I will have to rehome him one day as I don't have space for multiple pens and don't want all easter egger offspring (which is him). He is mating my 2 grown hens that just started laying and is very gentle with them. He sometimes protective squats over the smaller grown hen that can actually fit under him as well haha. I'll try to get a picture of it because it is very cute.

 

[Then I Will]

I would love to see this myself. I currently have a rooster who does the nesting song and has been showing the girls how to make a nest and sit in it. It's very cute. Interestingly enough he is my most dominant rooster and an EE. In my limited experience, a rooster who does the nesting song and encourages the girls to nest and brood is a very good rooster.

 

[azygous]

I would love to see this myself. I currently have a rooster who does the nesting song and has been showing the girls how to make a nest and sit in it. It's very cute. Interestingly enough he is my most dominant rooster and an EE. In my limited experience, a rooster who does the nesting song and encourages the girls to nest and brood is a very good rooster.

I agree wholeheartedly. A nesting roo is a lot like a husband who cooks and helps with the dishes - a keeper.

 

[wleigh1021]

He was doing it last night on the roost and I completely forgot to take a picture! darn!