What's wrong with my little buddy?!

[rosemarysugar]

I have a 7 month old mix of sorts rooster. We were told he was a she and have been watching for eggs but are finding spurs instead. I have 7 hens and one very rambunctious rooster. Why does the not rambunctious rooster seem so sad? He just sits there by himself. He does no breeding, crowing, or aggressive behavior. He just seems super depressed. I see NO signs of illness, just a quiet loner. Any ideas on what's wrong?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I have a 7 month old mix of sorts rooster. We were told he was a she and have been watching for eggs but are finding spurs instead. I have 7 hens and one very rambunctious rooster. Why does the not rambunctious rooster seem so sad? He just sits there by himself. He does no breeding, crowing, or aggressive behavior. He just seems super depressed. I see NO signs of illness, just a quiet loner. Any ideas on what's wrong?

The beta male is behaving in ways that demonstrate being subordinate to your dominant male

 

[Stepfordhomestead]

We adopted a submissive roo from a decent sized flock with a huge dominant rooster.

Our roo- heyhey- was very skittish and quiet for quite some time bc he wasn’t used to being in charge.

Now he realizes he’s top dog here and acts accordingly. Your new roo may just be submitting to your rambunctious one. They’ll never be friends and the big one will prob never let the little one perform and *ahem* duties

 

[Top Rooster]

The dominant rooster has put him in his place and he’ll only allow him to be the one to breed. The loner rooster probably gets picked on quite a bit by the dominant rooster.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Sounds like he's submissive to the dominant rooster and is acting accordingly.

 

[rosemarysugar]

The dominant rooster has put him in his place and he’ll only allow him to be the one to breed. The loner rooster probably gets picked on quite a bit by the dominant rooster.

So, is he ok? Is it normal for a second roo to be withdrawn like this? Should I try spending one on one time with him to cheer him up?

 

[rosemarysugar]

Sounds like he's submissive to the dominant rooster and is acting accordingly.

So is he ok? Is it normal for a second roo to be withdrawn like this? Should I try spending one on one time with him to cheer him up?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

So is he ok? Is it normal for a second roo to be withdrawn like this? Should I try spending one on one time with him to cheer him up?

It is normal for some submissive rooster to hide or stay away from the flock. All roosters are different. Some get right in there and make trouble, and others don't like conflict. As long as he's eating and drinking, and scratching about it usually means they are healthy. If he's not eating he may be hiding because he's unwell.

 

[chrissynemetz]

As long as he's eating and drinking good I wouldn't worry. He just sounds like a submissive boy

 

[rosemarysugar]

Update: He passed this morning.