The rooster is a unique bird with a memorable calling card. The first light of day is barely perceptible when its powerful cock-a-doodle-doo is resonating. But at what age does the rooster start to crow? And why and how does he do it? Keep scrolling to find out.
While some roosters try their first vocalizations at the age of 3 months, it is rather at the age of 4 – 5 months that the cock-a-doodle-doo really begins to be heard, that is to say, a little before maturity (which begins around 6 months). The first sounds are sometimes very hesitant but are fully asserted by the age of 9 months. From then on, the mature rooster will not stop!
Why Does the Rooster Crow?
It is often said that roosters crow when the first light of day comes and that they aim to wake up all those who like to sleep when the sun is high in the sky. There is absolutely no doubt that this statement is demonstrable by all people who live in the countryside or those who occasionally leave the hustle and bustle of the cities to seek refuge in quieter places.
But have you ever wondered why the rooster crows? This behavior is typical in these birds, and it is by no means a whim.
- To attract females
- To challenge other males
- To warn about a possible threat
So basically, a rooster crowing would be the result of a hormonal response, an internal biological clock, or simply caused by external stimuli.
How Does the Rooster Crow?
Like many animals, the rooster communicates with sound. To express itself, this fowl uses an organ called the syrinx, located at the junction of the trachea and bronchi. By expelling the air from his lungs and contracting his internal muscles, the barnyard king vibrates this membrane, producing his famous cock-a-doodle-doo.
Does the Rooster Make Any Other Sounds?
Roosters are also able to make the same sounds as hens: the cackle. Translated as “chuck-chuck” onomatopoeia, this more calming call is produced when, for example, the rooster has found an interesting food source (worms, larvae, insects) and reports it to the rest of the group. When danger looms, such as the arrival of an intruder or the appearance of a potential predator, the rooster can sound the alarm by making a specific sound.
Are All the Roosters Crowing?
Whether dwarf or large, all roosters crow because this hormonal behavior is inherent in their species (as in most birds). However, not all express themselves with the same frequency or the same intensity. For example, the Denizli rooster — native to Turkey — is renowned for the length and power of its cry, which can last for over 20 seconds. That is, a loud, sustained song reflects a good physical condition and an adequate diet for the animal. Conversely, a rooster that stops crowing indicates an abnormal situation (like diseases or the presence of parasites) and requires special attention. And only a castrated rooster, called a capon, does not crow.
Bottom Line
So, don’t think the rooster crows his cock-a-doodle-doo like the soldier sounds the bugle to wake up the troops. What this proud bird really wants is to show he’s the chef and wow the hens. And to do this, he must start practicing his vocalizations well before his maturity, from the age of 4-5 months.
Featured Image Credit: Kurt Bouda, Pixabay