roosters displaying nesting behavior

[NewFlockOnTheBlock]

We have two roosters in a "bachelor pad" and recently I noticed that they've started to display nesting behavior, as if they were hens! The first sign was the rounded indentations they made in the bedding in two opposite corners of their coop. Then yesterday I saw them taking turns sitting in one of these "nests" and making cooing sounds while the other rooster stood nearby and observed.

We have a flock of hens and one rooster in a separate coop & run across the yard. Could the bachelor boys be trying to attract the hens? Our rooster that lives with the hens will do this sitting in the corner and cooing thing and I've read that he is modeling nesting behavior for them, inviting them to lay an egg. I wonder if our boys are doing the same thing and hoping that hens will come over... Or could they be so lonely for girls that they are taking turns pretending like one of them is a hen?

 

[Hazelbunny]

Maybe one of the roosters is actually a hen. Roosters will do that to tell hens where she can lay her eggs, or maybe the rooster is confused.

 

[NewFlockOnTheBlock]

Nope, both are very obviously roosters based on looks, sounds, and behavior! No way one of them could be a hen.

 

[aart]

I wonder if our boys are doing the same thing and hoping that hens will come over.

This makes the most sense.
Better that than fighting
How old are they?

 

[NewFlockOnTheBlock]

They are just over 5 months old. They do chase each other around a little bit but mostly things are pretty peaceful, knock on wood. I've heard it can get worse when they are older and/or when spring comes.

 

[Chelseyb123]

In The summer when I got all my chickens my old 3yr roo would get in a box next to my girls an act like them an make the funniest noises. I read it some where cant remember the artical but it talked about it. Its not uncommon an I think it said they do it to show off that the hen is laying an egg. But not sure if thats the actually meaning behind why they do it. But its uncommon. Atleast not in this chicken house lol

 

[novastar]

I am SO glad you made this thread. I have a Silkie rooster with two older lady hens. Yesterday I was in the coop making a pen for our ducks and I hear this purring and cooing. Our rooster is very vocal and I could tell it was him. He did exactly what you described; he made a nest hole in the floor bedding, nested in it and made these lovey doves sounds and I watched as he was pulling pieces of straw in and around the nest. Omg he is silly. From the previous applies, I’m thinking he was making a lovely little nesting hole for his ladies. He is a romantic. Haha
I have a video but it won’t let me post it because it is too large :/

 

[Hazelbunny]

I am SO glad you made this thread. I have a Silkie rooster with two older lady hens. Yesterday I was in the coop making a pen for our ducks and I hear this purring and cooing. Our rooster is very vocal and I could tell it was him. He did exactly what you described; he made a nest hole in the floor bedding, nested in it and made these lovey doves sounds and I watched as he was pulling pieces of straw in and around the nest. Omg he is silly. From the previous applies, I’m thinking he was making a lovely little nesting hole for his ladies. He is a romantic. Haha
I have a video but it won’t let me post it because it is too large :/

Yup your roo is telling your ladies they can lay their eggs there. Roosters can be pretty funny sometimes

 

[novastar]

He is my first roo and I just adore him. He is the sweetest and takes care of the girls, even though they kinda despise him lol.

 

[Hazelbunny]

You said he's a silkie Right? How loud is He? Is he as loud as a normal sized roo or is he a bit quieter? I'm getting more silkies and if I get a rooster I might keep him but my neighbors don't like roosters.