We only have one roo. A black astralorp. He was hatched in the spring of this year. He is LOVELY! I love listening to his talks to the hens, and watching him find goodies for them to eat. He doesn't approach humans so no spurring us. He sounds an alarm if he thinks there's danger, and gratefully, all 30 hens listen to him! They take cover under the nearest bush, or into the coop. He is scared of my dogs and cats, and watches them on high alert. Some of the hens however attack both of my smaller dogs, and the cats. My beagle is scared of chickens now, and won't go anywhere near them. She'll even go to a different door to come in the house if the chickens are near her usual door.
But back to Mr. Roo, he is just stunning to look at, and a great addition to our flock! I personally wouldn't want a free-ranging flock without a good roo. He calls them into the coop at night, and quickly herds them out in the morning.
My only complaint is the mating in the morning. He MUST mate every single hen, every single morning! I dont' know how he keeps going but he does. He was rough with the mating at first, but has gotten the hang of it quickly, and is gentle now. He courts them first, and sometimes tricks them but calling them over to eat a yummy morsel he's found, and then tries to mate.
My kids get tired of his crowing, but I love to hear it! Reminds me that I'm finally back in the country where I belong!
my boys. First is Rocky a GL Wyandotte Cockeral. He is super sweet and very polite with the girls
