Even though nobody squats for me any more (it was Dotty that led that rebellion) I am still clearly the rooster from a protection point of view.
As some of you know, the Chicken Palace is large (I think Shad thinks it is too large) and the Princesses have a choice of predator secure coop, covered run, and open pasture runs.
In addition I have a fenced area where they can sort of free-range but only when I supervise. This open area is also quite large and I have noticed they always choose to forage near where I have decided to sit. It is actually an easy way to get them to go onto new ground simply by moving my chair.
This has puzzled me because though the area is large it is not so large that they cannot see me from every point in the yard, but they are clearly more relaxed if they are within about 5-6' of me.
I feel honored to be able to perform this duty for them.