When will my young rooster step up and defend?

[CabritaChicks]

He's as docile as a kitten—definitely not living up to the protector reputation people say he should have. Maybe it is just too early? He leads the flock, but doesnt defend squat.

Meanwhile, someone dumped a few feral dogs near our property.. saw them on an adjacent road and then the next night they went after my chickens.

And who stepped up? Isla—the little hen in my profile pic (she’s much bigger now). She leapt at the dog to defend the flock. She got bitten in the process but is handling it like a champ, especially considering the brutal heat we’re dealing with. I was on the phone with hubby who is out of the country at the time and I started screaming bloody murder as this was all within 6 feet of me!

The roo (still young, but tenacious and growing fast)- He panicked and scrambled for the front door of our home/hid under a bush—almost got himself killed.

The rest of the flock fled for the coop—and this was only 5 p.m. (except for Gypsy Chick- she is 'special'- flew around in circles screaming). I hope I'm not pestering- but when do they grow a pair? (not scientifically- I mean emotionally)
or have I been to gentle/coddling with him (Suki)?

Edit: None of them have seen a dog before. Isla (hen) was the one who scrambled to keep it away.

 

[sourland]

Realistically the 'defense' that most roosters provide is as a warning system. Some, but not most will actually engage predators. In my experience game fowl are most likely to do so.

 

[atomic]

I don’t have experience with roosters but I think chickens in general are like people, some are more scrappy and others.. well.. are big chickens .

 

[CabritaChicks]

Realistically the 'defense' that most roosters provide is as a warning system. Some, but not most will actually engage predators. In my experience game fowl are most likely to do so.

Reply, I guess my game fowl is too young as it was a total panic and confusion... but she can do parkour (but seems a couple short of a dozen)!

 

[CabritaChicks]

At least I think it is a 'she'. British game fowl mixes are not my specialty... well nor are most chicken breeds. I just know that my star chicken (we named her that because of her coloring and cuddly nature)... Isla (RIR mix) defended the flock and fended off a pitbull mix from killing her sisters and brothers. I am giving her extra special treatment now. She is such a boss.

Is there a person on here who can determine the sex of a british game fowl mix? (I saw this because we are 10 minutes from BVI- so many of our fowl were brought over for sport, I asked the 'jungle fowl' professionals here and they exclaimed it was a brit/english game fowl.

Not to hijack my own thread.

 

[CashewVulture]

First of all, your cockerel doesn’t seem completely mature yet. How old is he exactly?

My best rooster didn’t start attacking threats until he turned a year old. He was kind towards us but would attack cats. He also got super attentive and would run towards any hen making a distress call. Unfortunately he was killed by a dog while protecting his hens when he was a year and a half.

His son, which is now the new flock leader, is super gentle and kind towards the hens but doesn’t seem as brave and bold towards potential threats. He is a year old.

I also used to have a rooster who would run away from threats. He would sound the alarm but would run for his life.

Some are super great and will readily sacrifice themselves, some are good and will try to help but will avoid fights, and some can be wimps and will run for their life. It really depends on the individual!

 

[Florida Bullfrog]

If your rooster has the personality to do it (and that come from several variables), he may not manifest it until he’s 2-3 years old. Real maturity in a chicken doesn’t happen until after their 18 month molt, and a rooster isn’t is his prime until he’s 2-3.