Reply #4: That is Elvis...

[bvar22]

and he is a pugnacious little devil.

He has a good set of spurs, and he knows how to use them.
He is very protective of his hens, and will attack anything that approaches them...even us.
We are careful to keep an eye on him when the birds are out in the yard.
There are several "Elvis Sticks" leaning up against each doorway, and we usually carry one when we are working in the yard while the birds are out. He respects the Elvis Stick, and won't directly attack if we are holding one and facing him, but he WILL attack from behind if we turn our backs. He is capable of opening a nasty gash on a leg, but so far, aside from a minor incident with Starkraven, he hasn't drawn blood.

This is Elvis warning me not to come any closer to his girls.

We have come to understand and appreciate him since we live in an area with many predators, and our birds Free Range daily. He has done his job, and kept them safe. It has been nearly two years since we have lost any birds to predators, but if we had children or visitors we would have to get rid of him.


Elvis was very gentle as a young rooster.

We used to hand feed him, and he would sit on our laps or arms. But that all changed one day when he grew up and started taking care of the hens. He tries to keep them rounded up so that he can watch them, and they run him pretty hard as they tend to drift off in different direction while they forage. He will even find food, and call them over to share it. They regularly steal food directly from him, and he doesn't seem to mind.

During the day, the hens will return to the coop to lay.
After they finish, they will stand in the doorway and call Elvis, who will return and escort them back to the flock.

At twilight, he leads them into the Chicken Yard and checks it out to make sure it is safe. If there is a hen missing, he will go back out and find her, and herd her back into the yard.
It is all very fascinating to watch.




We may be facing a dilemma in the coming months.
At least one of the new Blue Copper Marans is a rooster.
I don't think Elvis is the type to share his flock.