why does my rooster do that?

[donrae]

When he dips his head, is he making noises, etc? Is he anticipating food/treats?

My roosters shake/dip their heads when they're calling the hens for treats. It's to shake the wattles, the red color and movement is designed to attract the hen's attention and show them what a good provider he is. Basically what the wattles are for, far as I know.

so, unless there's other behaviors going on, he may just be thinking you're the Food Dispenser?

 

[chickens really]

Yeah that sounds bad I have never had that happen to me but will be aware

Yeah, for your daughters sake...Trust me...They can attack without warning....Very scary knowing he is already threatening her....

Best of luck

Cheers!

 

[christinah3335]

no he doesn't make any noises just dips his head repeatedly when he sees me

 

[donrae]

Huh, I'll have to pay more attention to my boy and see if/when he starts vocalizing. never really paid that much attention.

 

[Isaac 0]

Roosters can be pretty mean if not trained correctly i don't give my rooster treats i make him think im a rooster by showing him who is boss.Ive tried the nice thing but didn't work,He hasn't attacked be for months

 

[chickens really]

no he doesn't make any noises just dips his head repeatedly when he sees me

I wont reply anymore...I know what I know because I do know Roosters....I was a tiny girl at the age of 5 when a Rooster attacked me and my Grandma...My first pet was a hen...Henny Penny....Anyways 40 years with birds...I know a Roosters Dance of Dominance....Trusting them once threats are made,is a recipe for disaster...

Best of Luck...

Cheers!

 

[Isaac 0]

I wont reply anymore...I know what I know because I do know Roosters....I was a tiny girl at the age of 5 when a Rooster attacked me and my Grandma...My first pet was a hen...Henny Penny....Anyways 40 years with birds...I know a Roosters Dance of Dominance....Trusting them once threats are made,is a recipe for disaster...

Best of Luck...

Cheers!

Agreed,Dancing is a sign that he will be pecking soon

 

[Weehopper]

Especially in the Spring when testosterone and hormones are running rampant. My rooster was fine until Spring rolled around. I ended up with stitches, and the rooster was gone within a few days.

 

[JanetMarie]

My roosters will call the hens to the snack that I give all of them. Unless he is outright attacking you, I don't see any reason to chase him away, which would only trigger aggression. i keep the cockerels with a good disposition, and some are treated as pets. No problems. You should do what you think is best.

 

[bobbi-j]

How long has he been doing the head dipping thing? I agree with Donrae that he's probably anticipating treats, if you've been hand feeding him. If he's not exhibiting any other behaviors, I wouldn't be too concerned. Now, that doesn't mean I wouldn't keep an eye on him. He's an intact male animal and that alone is reason to be aware of where he is at all times when you're out with your chickens. Watch for other warning behaviors, such as the wing drop he's done with your daughter. She either needs to learn to walk and act confidently around him, taking action if she needs to.