Why do roosters protect their hens from humans but don't protect them

[animals1981]

FROM ducks? I don't get this! If someone bothers his hens hes there right away but when the duck does it and the duck is much worse!

I don't understand it

 

[animals1981]

my rooster is VEry sweet and gentle rooster its just when he hears his hen panic scream he comes to the rescue even if its me sometimes when i quickly grab a hen she might let out a bit of a scream but she will quickly calm down but if she doesnt the rooster will chase me down and fight me for her lol

I assume most roosters are like this? Very nice unless their hen is in trouble?

But yesterday i saw the duck going after a hen and she was letting out that panic scream and running and the rooster was running ahead of her! He didnt stop the duck!

 

[animals1981]

any comments?

I thought game birds were best at this

 

[Akane]

Either he thinks the duck is closer to a part of his flock and he's letting them sort out the pecking order like he would between hens or he's actually a coward and only tries to protect them from things he won't harm him. Not all roos are great. Some are overly violent and will attack humans or other animals needlessly. Some are stupidly brave like my Dameru and will throw themselves in danger even if a hen is not in danger. He's been going after my large dog since he was no bigger than her nose. He does take good care of his hens, never goes after me, and when a raccoon even looks at them he's gonna be dinner whether the hens are near it or not.

Some are just cowards like Shizuka who hides behind his hens when you go to catch one or the dog looks in the pen.

He does call them over for food he finds and does all the other jobs a rooster should without leaving a mark on his hens or humans but if a predator comes Shi will be the last one eaten while hiding behind all the other chickens.