Using a Rooster to protect my girls

[Bizzybirdy]

My White Rock young adult roo gave his life protecting pullets and babies (that were not even his but that he cared for) from a nasty hawk a few days ago...a selfless brave soul he was. His daddy in the main pen/house can be heard sounding the alarm for the hens there and am sure he would do the same if the opportunity arose.

I also have a mixed breed (part EE, part Barrred Rock named Rochester) that is an excellent caring roo. This summer I watched him dig out sand holes for his hens to dust bathe and then he stood guard while they did so. He will sound an alarm and stand out in the open until his harem of ladies take cover.

And then there are the wimps...that run for cover with the hens.

 

[speckledhen]

And then there are the wimps...that run for cover with the hens

Think about this, though. The first order of business is always to get the hens to safety. No need to engage a predator unless absolutely necessary. I've seen this with my roosters occasionally. They run with the hens, then the threat leaves. If the threat does not leave, that is the time to engage. Why risk himself if there is no need, right? Yeah, some roosters aren't programmed well, I admit. They're individuals, but they have kept my hens from being taken by hawks and warned of roaming dogs outside the fence on many, many occasions.​

 

[Ole rooster]

As I posted in another thread my GLW ran something off yesterday. He was gone a good 30 mimutes and he never, never leaves his girls. I wouldn't have chickens without a rooster to look out for um.

 

[mrsp523]

I lost one of my roo's today by a fox. He went after the fox. Unfortunatly we lost 2 girls also. Still have 19 girls who ran off. (and a big rooster who was low man on the ranks). He was a great rooster who impressed me on his skills of tending to and protecting his girls. And he was just a little guy. So I'm all for a rooster to watch over the flock. Just really sad right now because of our loss. Stupid dang Fox! He's gotta go!