Noises roosters make.. a question about meaning

Lobzi · Feb 12, 2009

Does anyone ever hear their rooster make a whining, crying sort of noise? It can last a long time without him stopping to breathe. I am just wondering what he might be trying to communicate. When he starts I ask him what is wrong but he doesnt tell me so I usually join in with him. It does sound like he is sad or upset about something. It breaks my heart.

Mrs.Puff · Feb 12, 2009

In what situation does he make this noise? Usually I would think the whiney noise is a contentment noise. Is he hiding or are others pecking at him when he makes the noise?

Lobzi · Feb 12, 2009

He is always in with me or alone on his roost in the garage. Unfortunately I am his only companion since he doesnt get along with the others (runs after them and he tries to fight with the other roos; the hen he chases from the food and pen area). I really think he is lonely for chicken companionship but darn it, he doesnt play nice. I know what you mean by the "contentment song", I have heard that from him many times, especially when he is taking a dusty bathe.

RockyToggRanch · Feb 12, 2009

I'm learning to speak chickenese myself. Mine make a loud whining screechy sound to warn of danger. They especially get to doing it at dusk when they seem to be half asleep and something moves around them. My roo makes a gurgling sound when he's trying to calm one of his girls. He'll find her a spot to lay an egg and twirl around in it, gurgling until she settles into it. Then there's the "hey look..I found food!" when he points at a speck of something and makes a short chattery call. They are fascinating creatures.

Lobzi · Feb 12, 2009

Chickie makes this same noise sometime when I poke my head into the garage where he sleeps on his private roost. Im never sure if he is whining because he is lonely or maybe I have scared him. Perhaps it is a warning of danger cry. Gosh I wish he would tell me.

BB3 · Feb 12, 2009

Mine have done it when a hawk was flying over, before I ever even saw it. They seem to do it when they hear a strange noise too.

RockyToggRanch · Feb 12, 2009

Have you ever had chicks hatched by a hen? If you watch the way they respond to these adult noises, you'll totally understand what mom and dad are saying. That noise he makes when you peek in on him is him saying "what the heck is there??" he's 1/2 asleep and your movement startled him.

banter · Feb 12, 2009

That is the "What the heck is going on??????" noise for my roosters!

ThePolishPrincess · Feb 12, 2009

Yep, the whiney noise means 'danger lurking.' Roosters tend to do it when they see something moving on the ground, or hear something, in the distance. The screechy noise that is somewhat similar means 'danger in the sky'.

If it's really quiet and you do a good impression of it, the whole flock will stop what they're doing and look up. The roos should join in your warnings and the hens will run for cover and wait for the sounding crow, meaning it's all safe.

chookchick · Feb 12, 2009

It does sound like he could be very lonely. Is there any way he could be penned with one hen of his own? or perhaps just so he is within sight and sound of the other chickens? Could he roost with the others just at night? My cockerel used to whine a lot in the evening before he settled down to sleep--he seemed very uneasy about being cooped up, but got better over time.

Noises roosters make.. a question about meaning

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