Jake the Confused Rooster

[dapjwy]

Originally Posted by biigblueyes

To be honest, I'm not terribly concerned whether he thinks he's a duck or not. It bothered the prior owner a lot...

Jake never roosted before, but he followed the hens into the coop as it got dark last night. He's been crowing a lot, claiming his spot as the man of the place.

I misread your comment the first time...glad you are NOT terribly concerned about it. At the same time, it sounds like he is making progress in more chicken-like behaviors.

Originally Posted by biigblueyes

Jake was placed in the chicken yard, still inside his carrier. He was given feed, which attracted the other chickens, who stayed nearby. After a while, he was released into the yard, and they were all given feed. He and the hens visited a while. He was doing his best to court the ladies. He did some things that were probably part of a courting ritual -forceful scratching in the dirt, circling while dragging one wing. He did attempt to "date" one of them, but was not entirely successful. . . only time will tell.

Sounds good. Keep us posted.

He may find that he is comfortable around chickens and ducks.

[dapjwy]

Yes, sounds beautiful.

Originally Posted by biigblueyes

heeheehee - thanks! I think so!

And that is all that matters anyway.

[havalotta]

Originally Posted by biigblueyes

I should mention that the ducks were also attracted to the feed and stayed right outside the yard. Not sure what will happen when they're on the same side of the fence. . . only time will tell.

If you're trying to sway him towards reaching his full chickendom, Do you think it wise to let him see more of his previous adopted like family members, the duck so soon?

[biigblueyes]

Originally Posted by havalotta

If you're trying to sway him towards reaching his full chickendom, Do you think it wise to let him see more of his previous adopted like family members, the duck so soon?

We intentionally put him in with the chickens, and apart from the ducks. But the ducks, who are not contained, came over and stood next to the pen, attracted to the corn.

Yesterday, I saw Jake running toward the Muscovy (which is the kind of duck that he grew up with), and thought Uh-oh. But as soon as he chased the duck away from the spot where we feed the ducks, he turned away and ignored the ducks. He wanted to keep the corn to himself, he didn't want to hang out with the ducks.

He has been crowing like crazy, flapping and generally making his presence known since he got here.

[havalotta]

Wish I was there to watch the antics myself. Nice we are able to live it through you!