What the heck just happened? (Dead 16 week cockerel)

[HuskerHens18]

I still wonder what Breakfast was “saying” with his crowing and posture though

It was either coincidence, or he was probably announcing his rank since his rival was dead. Trying to prove he is top rooster.

 

[OhZark Biddies]

I still wonder what Breakfast was “saying” with his crowing and posture though.

It's late, so I didn't read all the replies, but I think I've read ( please verify before running with this ) that the "egg song" is an "assembly" call... or more accurately an "I'm over here, where are you?" song ....that might explain the cockerel's 'egg song' in this case... but as for the cause of death

 

[dotporter]

Unfortunately, many early deaths have nothing to do with how we raise our birds. A poorly incubated egg may survive, but with heart defects which don't show until the birds body outgrows the hearts ability to keep the body adequately supplied.

Though many people won't ascribe emotions to birds, I would disagree. The egg song is similar to other songs they sing. There is also the "I want to comfort you" song.

Sure, I raise Muscovy ducks, so it's not identical. But, my birds will do the "comfort song" for any bird that is injured. Muscovy are quiet, but not silent.

Even the drakes will do the chattering little song of comfort for another drake.

So, while many might disagree with me: I maintain, if the rooster saw the other bird go down, he may well have been doing the comfort song.