Why do Roosters stay very still when a baby chick is next to them?

[FrostyWind]

Yea, for years I've seen this happening and I never understood why Roosters do that?
I pick up a baby chick and put it next to one of my Roosters and they just Freeze in place, they don't move unless you move the chick.
Lol its funny seeing them like that, and when they're like that, you can move therr heads in some directions and they stay like that until you move the baby chick.
I have no idea why they so this?
Here's a video of what I Mean:

 

[Molpet]

imprinting the chick as flock member

 

[FrostyWind]

imprinting the chick as flock member

You sure?
I can do this everyday and the rooster will stay still? Even when the chick has flight feathers?

 

[Helloworld]

Because somewhere in there is a mama hen that will beat him lol

 

[centrarchid]

You sure?
I can do this everyday and the rooster will stay still? Even when the chick has flight feathers?

Mature roosters appear hardwired for capacity to imprint on chicks. Mine appear to do it with chicks as least as long as chicks have head covered in down.

 

[chickens really]

The way he lowered his head was a submissive behaviour. The Chick was calling for Momma and he wasn't about to get his butt kicked by her. My Rooster always tidbits to his Chicks.