Roosters keeping the hens on lockdown

[sackosuds]

Hey all. Ive been keeping chickensfor about 5 weeks. I have 7 pullets not laying yet. 18 wk buff orpingtons and maybe 16 wk barred rocks. I also have kept a rooster for the last 2 weeks and he seems like a decent guy. I generally let them free range. They all put themselves up at night and I'll shut them in. The last few days though, every time they wander from the coop, the rooster gets all antsy and herds them back in right away. Any ideas why or should I just not worry and itll fix itself. They have a decent run too and everything they need.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

He could be over reacting as young roosters sometimes do, or he could have seen or heard a predator that makes him nervous. I can always tell when something has been nosing around because the chickens won't leave the shed and the roosters are on high alert. So check around for signs of visitors.

 

[chickens really]

He is protecting the flock...Good boy....I have no Rooster this year, my dominant hens yell every time the cat from the next property comes into my yard...I also have a cat...They never yell seeing her.

 

[sackosuds]

Ok. Thats what I thought.