![]() ![]() ![]() I think that providing your chickens plenty of space and things to keep them busy (like piles of straw, leaves or weeds, outdoor perches, a dust bath area, etc.) also goes a long way towards avoiding any bullying issues. ![]() To some extent, our ducks play referee also and will actually break up any minor tiffs between two hens. I've been fortunate in that my chickens all get along very well. Also, in the absence of a rooster, one hen will often assume the dominant role and become a bit of a bully. Having a rooster around does seem to keep peace within the flock. Chickens, even those who have been living together for years, will sometimes squabble or pick on those lower in the pecking order. Golden comet rooster how to#And since my chickens are older now and have pretty much figured out where all the good treats are to be found in the yard and know how to look for bugs and worms.Īnother role a rooster plays is referee for the hens. It is pretty amusing to watch a rooster find a yummy treat and get all excited, making a high-pitched chattering noise and hopping up and down on his toes before dropping the treat at his favorite hen's feet.īut honestly, I can watch a mother hen do just about the same thing. Much like a mother hen will "tidbit" and point out worms, bugs, seeds and other goodies to her chicks, a rooster will do the same for his ladies. And if you have little kids around your flock, think very carefully before you decide to keep a rooster. A full-on kung fu karate kick with a rooster's spurs can do serious damage. I, for one, get tired of carrying a rake into the coop every time I go check for eggs!īeing attacked by a rooster is no laughing matter. Besides, our two dogs are far better predator guardians than any rooster could ever be.Īnother pitfall of roosters is that a "good" rooster is eventually likely going to view you and other family members, not to mention your friends and other visitors, as the enemy. Instead, I opt instead for a secure enclosed pen for my flock unless I'm outside with them. A rooster will stand guard, with an eye to the sky and one towards the tree line, to watch for predators while the hens forage or take their dust baths and sound an alarm if he sees something amiss.Įven the toughest rooster is no match for most predators including dogs, foxes, coyotes, hawks or weasels and likely will just end up being the first casualty.Īlthough he may give the hens enough time to race for cover and safety while he's engaging the enemy, that's a horrible way for any animal to die, and I wouldn't wish it upon even the meanest of roosters. ![]()
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