Rooster behavior

[Folly's place]

Having a cockerel or rooster respect my space is very important, but with children, no amount of 'training' will make a human aggressive rooster okay. Dinner time!
Mary

 

[Missyschix13]

The only time I've ever pushed a rooster off a hen, Rameses was mating her right in the door of the coop while I was trying to carry the water out.

I shoved him off, pushing both out of my way, and said, "Get a room." Then I walked past as if nothing had happened so that they'd realize I didn't care if he mated (Ludwig, the senior male might have but I didn't), only that they weren't in my way.

(Actually, Ludwig didn't care. He'd stand there and watch like he was making sure Rameses did it right).

Haha not looking forward to that part. There will be lots of explaining to do in my house.

 

[Mrs. K]

@Missyschick - I am making several assumptions, and maybe I am wrong, and if so I will apologize most humbly, in fact I have debated continuing this conversation, because I am afraid it may come across as aggressive and less than friendly...but I do not want the OP to risk that 4 year old child.

I see you joined in 22, and

Haha not looking forward to that part. There will be lots of explaining to do in my house.

implies to me that perhaps your rooster has not become sexually active. Based on that I am assuming that this is your first rooster, and that he is young.

If that is the case, do know that this forum is filled with stories where the darling becomes the nightmare. With young roosters, today's behavior is no indicator of tomorrows behavior. Most inexperienced people think that if they treat roosters like puppies and kittens they will have a fantastic rooster...until they don't.

I am not an evil person that just wants to kill all roosters and not give them a chance. I love having chickens and have had them for more than 20 years. I have had over 8 full grown roosters and numerous cockerels. Some roosters are great - see the story on Bye, some are so so, and some are viciously aggressive.

If I have misconstrued this, I heartfully apologize.

To the original poster, please keep the cockerel locked up until you get him out of your little Child's life.

Mrs K

 

[Missyschix13]

@Missyschick - I am making several assumptions, and maybe I am wrong, and if so I will apologize most humbly, in fact I have debated continuing this conversation, because I am afraid it may come across as aggressive and less than friendly...but I do not want the OP to risk that 4 year old child.

I see you joined in 22, and

implies to me that perhaps your rooster has not become sexually active. Based on that I am assuming that this is your first rooster, and that he is young.

If that is the case, do know that this forum is filled with stories where the darling becomes the nightmare. With young roosters, today's behavior is no indicator of tomorrows behavior. Most inexperienced people think that if they treat roosters like puppies and kittens they will have a fantastic rooster...until they don't.

I am not an evil person that just wants to kill all roosters and not give them a chance. I love having chickens and have had them for more than 20 years. I have had over 8 full grown roosters and numerous cockerels. Some roosters are great - see the story on Bye, some are so so, and some are viciously aggressive.

If I have misconstrued this, I heartfully apologize.

To the original poster, please keep the cockerel locked up until you get him out of your little Child's life.

Mrs K

This is my first rooster but have been around others before. But not once did I recommend that the op risk the child. Said that several times. Actually said to keep him locked up. That's where I will leave this. Have a wonderful evening.

 

[Mrs. K]

thank you for being so kind about this. You did say to not risk the child.

 

[Missyschix13]

thank you for being so kind about this. You did say to not risk the child.

No worries. I've been reading older threads and gathering knowledge from you all since the end of April. I joined because everyone seemed so nice and helpful. Actually only joined because of my rooster Stormy. And super glad I did because I got correct information on feed for my entire flock. I would have killed him purely by accident with kidney failure. No hard feelings, promise.

 

[Squidward]

Once you offer a foot, then they think it is go time. I have trained my roosters, that anytime they are near me they get picked up. Soon they don't come near or they want to be picked up. Using a foot, or a broom promotes bad behavior in a chicken. Never show fear walk with purpose and if they pretend to eat around you they will attack soon, pick them up instead or try to.

I booted mine a few times. He soon learned to jump back. One day he put a spur to me, so I shot him on the spot. This behavior won't stop. I'm 6' 4", 240 lbs. If he doesn't care about me, he won't care about a small child.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
And loved picturing 'he sailed away'! We too tried to 'reform' roosters, and got over it. Now, nobody having bad thoughts gets to stay. The crock pot can always come out for them. Nice roosters are so worth having, not the other kind.
Mary

 

[Cackel Shack]

When is a rooster protecting its flock an ok thing? Should the rooster get a little aggressive if it thinks one of the hens is in danger. I have a coronation Sussex that just came at me after I was trying to shoo away the hens from my flowers. I was making a lot of noise and jogging at them. We tangled a bit and he got kicked and now if keeping his distance. Should I let this go or what should I do. I have a 4 year old that runs in the yard. They are free range and he has never done this before.

Roosters get a bad rap and are often culled needlessly, their behavior towards people is often due to the chicken keeper. Roosters are naturally protective of their flock, that's what they do....it's a natural calling. An owner has to establish trust with the rooster. From the time they are cockerels, you need to show them you are important and trustworthy. Hand feed roosters a treat every day to get them to realize you are a safe friend. When they feel comfortable eating from your hand then start to pet them. At night go out to the coop every evening when they are roosting and talk to the rooster, give him some friendly pats or rub his comb and say good night. He will come to like you just like a pet dog. You will become a member of the flock and he'll leave you alone. Never show any fear around your rooster, even if you're not sure about his behavior, rather..... walk behind him shooing him in front of you so he knows you are the boss. As far as little children in a rooster's territory, I would not advise it. They get agitated seeing small people running. If you do allow a small child in his area, take a garden rake as protection to stop any attack if he comes at the child. Don't blame the rooster, he does not know the child well, he trusts you but anyone else the old urge to protect his hens will take charge of his head. Never be mean to a rooster who is protecting his flock, if you do that he will lose trust in you. Remember roosters are born with a job to do and a good one will protect his hens to the death from predators on the ground, and he will always watch the sky for predators in the sky. He will feed his hens and show them where tasty food is. He will break up fights among the hens, he'll make sure they have nice nest boxes, etc. Just have some patience with roosters.

 

[Folly's place]

I am not a flock member, I am the giant who brings food!!!
Idiots who spend their time stalking and attacking humans need to be gone. while they are concentrating on humans, they aren't watching out for actual dangers to their flock, or doing anything else constructive.
The fighting bird folks have shown that roosters can be human friendly and bird aggressive. Apparently separate behaviors genetically. So, the roosters who stay here pay attention to their flockmates, and stay out of my path.
I do agree that small screaming children are not helpful! That's something for their parents to manage...
Our roosters also don't attack the horses or cattle they contact when free ranging, obviously not considering them anything to worry about. The same should apply to humans in their path.
Mary