Rooster who suddenly won't leave the roost

[Kelley Homestead]

I have a year old Bantam Silkie rooster who's best friend hen was killed about three weeks ago. She and he were exclusive. Since then, he had just been wandering with the other hens and roosters. But three days ago, I thought he went missing. We've had a chicken hawk in the area and my chickens free range all day. Today, I found him inside the coop, scratching around as if he were outside eating. I opened the hatch to encourage him to go out but he just looked at me and then continued his eating behavior. Any ideas as to what is going on with him? The rest of the chickens are out running around. Egg production is way down because it's winter. Thank you for letting me join your group.

 

[Shadrach]

I have a year old Bantam Silkie rooster who's best friend hen was killed about three weeks ago. She and he were exclusive. Since then, he had just been wandering with the other hens and roosters. But three days ago, I thought he went missing. We've had a chicken hawk in the area and my chickens free range all day. Today, I found him inside the coop, scratching around as if he were outside eating. I opened the hatch to encourage him to go out but he just looked at me and then continued his eating behavior. Any ideas as to what is going on with him? The rest of the chickens are out running around. Egg production is way down because it's winter. Thank you for letting me join your group.

He is doing what we humans would call grieving.
Do you have other roosters?
Some roosters form very close bonds with their favorite hen. It can take some weeks for them to adjust.
The longest here was a rooster called Major who lost his favourite hen to a hawk. For a couple of weeks he just hung around the coop while his brother took the hens out. He never fully bonded with another hen.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. He is missing her. Chickens generally have favorites that they like to hang with. Is there any possibility that other roosters are picking on him when he tries to join the flock ?

 

[Kelley Homestead]

He is doing what we humans would call grieving.
Do you have other roosters?
Some roosters form very close bonds with their favorite hen. It can take some weeks for them to adjust.
The longest here was a rooster called Major who lost his favourite hen to a hawk. For a couple of weeks he just hung around the coop while his brother took the hens out. He never fully bonded with another hen.

I believe that is what is happening. Sinbad (the rooster) is just lost without Cotton. The two of them were always in their own little world. Their brother, Bluebeard, is running the show now. I hope it passes soon. He's such a great rooster.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I believe that is what is happening. Sinbad (the rooster) is just lost without Cotton. The two of them were always in their own little world. Their brother, Bluebeard, is running the show now. I hope it passes soon. He's such a great rooster.

Hi there, welcome to BYC!

Very sorry for your loss and Sinbad's.

Would you care to share a picture of their happier time together if your able... in honor of her memory?

I think I saw another post of yours looking for hatching eggs?? Adding your general location to your profile can help folks make the best suggestions possible at a glance.

 

[Kelley Homestead]

Hi there, welcome to BYC!

Very sorry for your loss and Sinbad's.

Would you care to share a picture of their happier time together if your able... in honor of her memory?

I think I saw another post of yours looking for hatching eggs?? Adding your general location to your profile can help folks make the best suggestions possible at a glance.

Thank you. I'll do that.

 

[Kelley Homestead]

Cotton and Sinbad...a tragic love story.

 

[Kelley Homestead]

The squirrel was a photo bomb

 

[Kelley Homestead]

Welcome to BYC. He is missing her. Chickens generally have favorites that they like to hang with. Is there any possibility that other roosters are picking on him when he tries to join the flock ?

Not that I've noticed. The other three roosters are gentle giants. They've always respected Sinbad's authority.