Tom raising a poult?

[bardies]

The mom was lost to a predator last night (she was free ranging). Four of the poults remain. I've managed to catch three. The tom, when let out of the coop in the morning was attracted to the poults crying. He seems to be looking after the remaining free poult. He's calling it and letting it nestle under him. Anyone experience a Tom raising a poult successfully?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

My oldest Tom does look after poults I raise and add to the group. I have read posts of toms taking care of poults so it's not uncommon.

 

[Indyshent]

Toms are like roosters and lots of other animals. There's a lot of variation in daddy styles between individuals. I've had toms rape poults into the ground, heard of them pecking poults to death, and seen some which were excellent dads. Right now, I have one that seems to be brooding a nest with two hens. The same tom can vary styles, too, and might be a great dad to one bunch after killing a different bunch. Loneliness has a huge effect on them and will usually make them more nurturing with babies.

 

[bardies]

Thank you everyone! The last poult went into the kennel that had the caught ones already. The tom was hanging by them, but I just don't think he had the attention span of the hen. I've put the poults in with a hen that has a chick about the same age as poults as well as some younger ones she is fostering. Hen is fine with her new chicks, but the poults seem a bit intimidated by her scratching enthusiasm! I've seen at least one drink and a couple of them peck at food. Thank you again!!!