Rooster care is often overlooked, as the hens are the ones laying all the eggs. But today we are going to turn our attention to the protector of the flock as we discuss aging rooster care, health concerns for roosters of all ages, and how you can help your rooster live his best life into his golden years.
How Long Do Roosters Live?
Unfortunately, chickens don’t live as long as many of us backyard chicken keepers wish they did. It’s hard to believe that in just a few short years from raising them as chicks, our flocks are entering their golden years. With the average lifespan of a laying hen between four and eight years (depending on the breed) and roosters averaging five to seven years, our flocks sadly age faster than we would like.
Top 5 Rooster Care Health Concerns
When researching rooster care, one of the most surprising bits of information you will probably learn is that roosters are more prone to some health concerns than hens are.
1. Low Testosterone Levels
As they age, roosters experience lowering testosterone levels. While most roosters will remain somewhat fertile their entire lives, having a backup rooster on hand may be a good idea if you want to breed.
There is no known treatment for this condition.
2. Kidney Failure
One of the most difficult parts of rooster care is ensuring they don’t receive too much calcium in their diet. Since the high amounts of calcium in layer feed are formatted to fit the dietary needs of a laying hen, not a rooster, preventing this condition can be tricky.
Hens need the layer feed to lay healthy eggs and most roosters refuse to eat separately from the rest of the flock, so there isn’t a lot you can do to remedy the situation. However, offering your rooster dandelion greens free choice is thought to support kidney health.
The combination of high calcium levels and a rooster’s low water intake can result in his kidneys failing later in life. Encouraging your rooster to drink more by providing a stress-free environment with multiple water sources will keep him hydrated and help improve kidney health. Refresh water twice daily for optimal results.
3. External Parasites
Performing routine monthly checkups to look for external parasites is an essential part of rooster care. Since they are so busy looking out for danger and tending to the needs of their ladies, roosters rarely have time to care for their own needs, including dustbathing and preening.
Their lack of self-care puts roosters at a disadvantage for contracting external parasites such as mites, lice and scaly leg mites. If left untreated, these parasites can cause harm to your rooster’s feathers and overall health. Parasites can also spread to the hens, so be sure to check them regularly too.
Prevent external parasite infestations by treating roosters routinely with an all-natural bug repellent made for chickens.
Also allow your boy(s) a spa day several times a month, where he can be away from the ladies to ensure he takes a dust bath. Roosters need some time to relax and recharge just like we humans, so give him the break he deserves.
4. Frostbite
Rooster care in winter in northern climates is especially tricky as they are more susceptible to frostbite than hens are.
Roosters often refuse to tuck their heads underneath their wings, so they always have an eye out for danger. This behavior can cause frostbite and, in severe cases, gangrene.
If a rooster’s frostbitten comb or wattles start to turn black or green, take it to a qualified veterinarian immediately for treatment. If you’re not lucky enough to have a vet who treats chickens in your area, humanely dispatch the rooster to prevent an agonizing death.
5. Spur Issues
Trimming and filing spurs is another routine part of rooster care. As roosters age, their spurs grow longer and become more tough to trim. Take care to trim and file the spurs regularly to ensure they don’t curl and grow into the back of the rooster’s legs.
2 Top Rooster Behavior Issues
1. Bullying
If housed with other roosters, older males are susceptible to being severely bullied. While this may seem cruel, younger, more fertile roosters will see the older males as a threat.
This threat is not just for the right to breed and be top bid, but also as a threat to flock security, as weaker flock members are more likely to attract the attention of predators.
Prevent your older males from being bullied by housing them separately from younger roosters.
2. Aggression
Some roosters will start to show aggressive tendencies as they age. If your rooster normally has a more aggressive personality, there is no need for concern.
However, if an old rooster suddenly begins to act aggressively (outside of ordinary spring breeding behavior), it may be a sign that something is wrong.
Cancer, organ failure, poor eyesight and even arthritis can trigger something in a rooster that makes him act aggressively toward humans and even his hens. If a rooster acts aggressively toward his flockmates, confine him to a safe area away from the rest of the flock to prevent injuries.
If your elderly rooster begins to show signs of aggression, do not rehome him. If possible, take him to a qualified vet to have him checked out. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may not be possible and your vet may recommend euthanasia. Rooster care can also mean making some tough choices when deciding what is best for our feathered friends, so don’t be afraid to end his suffering if it’s in his best interest.
When a vet is not accessible, butchering the older rooster or giving him to someone who is willing to do the butchering is the best option to prevent needless suffering.
5 Tips for Healthy Rooster Care
Just like hens, rooster care should be based on preventive care versus treatment. Check out the tips below if you want to help your rooster live a longer, healthier life.
1. Protecting your rooster from a predator attack is hands down the best way to help your rooster live a long, happy life.
2. Avoid excessive amounts of stress by keeping only one rooster per flock.
3. Even though they may not be as fertile, older roosters still enjoy having a flock to look out for. Failing to provide older males with an adequate number of ladies could cause them to become depressed.
4. Supplement your rooster’s diet with herbs, prebiotics and probiotics, and rotational pasture (when possible) to keep his digestive tract and immune system healthy and strong.
5. Keep hen numbers manageable to prevent overbreeding (about five to ten females per rooster).
Rooster care is different than caring for a flock of all layers, but it isn’t difficult. With a proper diet, protection from predators, and some practical knowledge, you can help your favorite rooster live a long, healthy, happy life.
This story about rooster care was written for Chickens magazine. Click here to subscribe.
