Roosters often get a bad rap, often undeserved, by folks who don’t understand what motivates them and their function within a flock. I’ve had several roosters, all good, so I’m a big proponent of why a rooster can be an asset to your flock. Here are some stories highlighting some of those boys that go above and beyond to prove their worth.
Kandy Crockett
I was tucking my flock in tonight and noticed my rooster was missing and not on the roost bar. I went out to the run and looked in the box my broody mama is sitting in at night with her 13 babies. There was Herbert in that nest box beside her helping keep the babies warm. How about that? It was dark out and I used a flash so the photo is a little off. He’s the one on the right with a baby peeking out from under him.
Dee Palmquist
This old-as-dirt Modern Game bantam cock was an extra since his hens passed away, and we weren’t really sure what to do with him. Then, when we moved some older babies out to a coop, we noticed him hanging around the fence watching them a lot. He would make chirping noises at them like the mama hens usually do.
Finally, we gave in and just put him in with them. Now he shows them the best snacks to eat, cuddles with them, and breaks up any squabbles. He’s not their biological father, but he’s definitely the best adoptive dad that I’ve ever seen!
Krissy Tetzlaff
My rooster Lynard has never done rooster things since he was given to me a few months ago. I’m beginning to think that is why they just gave him away. He is now sitting on chicks at night. Mama started roosting and the two frizzle babies couldn’t join her. Lynard is my only chicken who won’t roost. Here he is with his two chicks.
Hannah Conrad
This is Castor, my bantam rooster that adopted 58 chicks as his own. He sits on them, shows them how to use waterers, and is very good at rounding everyone up for me every evening. He mothers them more than the hens. Castor also loves to make nests for the hens and sit on their eggs. Fifty-eight chicks and not a single one is his; he is more interested in raising them than making them.
Thanks to everyone who shared their stories and photos in celebration of all the great rooster dads out there.
Bitchin' Chickens 
Delightful stories!
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This is my first year with a flock of my own. Though, I grew up on a farm and am very familiar with chickens and roosters.
I’m surprised how awesome my rooster is as both a parent and a “spouse”. I’ve only had one clutch hatch and only one chick came of that clutch. The hen and rooster dote on that chick like it’s made of pure gold. The rooster goes out to the mulch pile and creates a nest for the hen and then she eventually settles in. He then digs for treats for her and the chick.
The roosters of my childhood were mean and nasty. This guys very much a gentleman. All my hens are incredibly tame. They come and ask to be petted. He came from a different farm that did not handle their flock and he was not tame at all. Yet, thru treats and time, he’s become a rooster who tolerates being petted n held. Idk if he would have been this amazing at the other farm but, he’s simply a joy to have at mine.
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I’ve had nothing but good roosters. I’m glad your boy is a keeper.
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