I’m a big proponent about keeping roosters and their integral role in a flock. I’ve had four roosters over the years, all of them gentle with me and their hens, good providers and protectors. I cringe when I read of folks misinterpreting normal rooster behaviour as aggression. Too often, their response is to try to dominate those boys with aggression in an attempt to show them ‘who is boss’.
For those who think that all roosters are potentially ‘bad’ or once they’ve shown some form of perceived aggression will never change I challenge them to learn about what motivates those boys and how to work with them to maintain a harmonious and stress-free flock.
Here are positive stories of roosters who know what their role is in a flock and doing their jobs well.
Carrie Brown
I picked up these twin boys, Hekyll and Jekyll from a girl who was selling roosters last spring, and they have made amazing pets and roosters. They keep watch over the other 32 birds, even the ducks. They are so friendly and love to be held. If I’m inside for too long, they come looking for me. They are amazing best buddies and work together and sleep next to each other. We just love them. Bantam roosters are said to be aggressive, but these two are just the sweetest boys ever.
Michelle Pollard Abend
Today my roosters started squawking, I ran outside and saw one rooster gathering some hens under a fallen tree in the woods, while another rooster ran with the other hens to the barn. The oldest rooster ran out of the woods and across the yard. I stood with my two livestock guardian dogs and watched, trying to figure out what was going on. Then it happened: a huge hawk flew down at the older rooster while he was in the open. I screamed and clapped my hands, the dogs started running and barking. The old rooster hid under a small shrub. I believe he was acting as a decoy to divert the hawk away from the hens in the woods. All three roosters split up and seemed to have a plan while the dogs and I stood and watched dumbfounded. I keep replaying it in my mind. The roosters fight sometimes, but at the end of the day they really are a team.
Hannah Grim McCutcheon
My bantam rooster just won all my respect and brownie points just now. My hubby and I have two different coops, one for big girls and one for little girls (bantams). Sam went to make sure everyone was in bed in the big coop while I went to the little coop that only has four birds – a rooster, two hens, and a Porcelain d’Uccle pullet. The porcelain was just put out in the coop two days ago to join her family, so she is still learning how to get up into the coop with the other girls. I made my way into the small coop, pulling my jacket over my head to keep the rain off and saw my rooster laying in a corner with his wings sprawled out. At first I had a mini heart attack until I saw little purple feathers sticking out from under one side. It was Duchess, the d’Uccle. He was shielding her from the rain while the other girls were in the coop. If that isn’t the perfect rooster, then I don’t know what is. I am so proud of that little orange guy.
Heather Eckley Deppen
Wilson is the best rooster I’ve ever had. He lets me do anything I want to him. He comes when he’s called. Most importantly, he was willing to sacrifice his life for his ladies. A dog went after our one hen the other day and Wilson flogged it then immediately jumped on Stella’s back, squatted down, and put his wings over her to protect her. It was amazing to watch. My husband got the dog before she could get to them, but he was definitely willing to die for her!
Katie King
Weird one but I’m throwing this out there. I have a rooster who I think is broody. Has anyone ever dealt with this? Do you break a broody rooster the same as a broody hen, or should I let him experiment? Over the last couple days I’ve found a range of 1-5 eggs under him every day.
Danne McCallister
I never thought I would see the day.
Our first rooster was MEAN. He tried to attack us, attacked our dog (who ignores the birds), and stressed our girls out to the point some would hide in the coop all day. No amount of working with him made a difference. He’s been rehomed to my freezer and the girls were immediately happier.
Since then, any roosters the girls saw they would attack and try to kill. We keep our meat birds in chicken tractors as they get older and still our head hen would manage to grab a comb or something through the wire and draw blood. Our layer girls were clearly not ok with roosters.
Now we have Waldo. A lady in the next town over had too many roosters and need to re-home one. He had been around kids, ducks, and dogs. He was eight months old so if he was going to be a jerk the signs would have been there. I took a chance. We put him in the old chicken run so the girls could see him for a week. Yes, they all tried to fight him several times that first day and I’m sure he was not too sure of his new home at that point. After a week (and seeing the girls hadn’t tried to fight him for a few days) we moved him in with them late at night. Let’s just say we and the girls LOVE him. They now stick close and know his food chirp. Waldo moves them under cover if rain is coming or he’s not sure what flew overhead, and he’s very polite with us.
It is possible to have an all around good roo, you don’t have to settle.
Tara Lynn Miller
Every time I look at the front door there’s Booboo, the French Cuckoo Marans. He’s the sweetest boy. I got him as a baby from TSC with a broken leg. Got him home and splinted it, and he lived in a little box right next to me for two months. He was either in the box or in my lap, everywhere, all the time. After he healed, he stayed glued to my side, and even after maturing and doing his manly duty, he’s still the sweetest! Luck or hand raising as my own?
All my girls are exceptionally tame and bonded to me, all hand raised. I don’t mean they lived in a brooder in the house, I mean they were with me 24/7. Even at night, a clear tote on the bed next to me, and there was always one or two in my lap or on my shoulder or in a hoodie pocket. They are likely the closest I’ll ever come to being a grandmother, and I’m ok with that.
Thanks to everyone who shared their stories and photos. Featured photo: Barbara Cee
Bitchin' Chickens 
I love my multiple roosters too! I can’t imagine my girls without their favored roosters by their side. Each of my roosters has their place and their girls including the one who makes sure every hen is inside their coop before he goes in. At the moment I have 6 main roosters and 2 that are lower down the ladder but still loved. Thank you for standing up for the underappreciated rooster!
Sherry
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