Best way to catch an aggressive rooster?

[Txpollock]

I have a Polish rooster that just started attacking me yesterday. It was only once but today I had to keep him in front of me….he kept trying to sneak up from behind. I need to catch him because he has to go. I’m sad because I just love him and his crazy “hair” aka feathers, but I won’t keep a bird that I have to worry about hurting me or one of my grandkids so he’s gone…..as soon as I can catch him. Best way?? My husband can help me but would it be better to wait until dark and get him from the roost? Or is there a way we can catch him easier during the day while it’s light outside? Here he is with some of his ladies!

 

[Egghead_Jr]

Absolutely, take him from the roost this evening.

 

[Ridgerunner]

How old are your grandkids? The easiest way for me would be to take him off of the roost at night, but if you trust one of your grandkids you might give them a fish net and let them try. Or you can try the fish net yourself, you might be able to work him into a corner so it doesn't involve running yourself.

 

[Txpollock]

How old are your grandkids? The easiest way for me would be to take him off of the roost at night, but if you trust one of your grandkids you might give them a fish net and let them try. Or you can try the fish net yourself, you might be able to work him into a corner so it doesn't involve running yourself.

My grand kids vary in age and visit occasionally but the ones that are with me most in the coop are 11 and 9. Both girls. I’d rather go easiest route but didn’t want to need flashlights in the run. But that’s the way I’ll handle it, Off the roost tonight and probably take him to the feed store tomorrow where they will rehome him. Polish don’t seem to have much meat on them. He seems more ornamental to me anyway.

 

[BarnyardChaos]

Absolutely, take him from the roost this evening.

Yes, this ^^^.
Wait until it's FULL dark, so they're all in their nighttime stupor. Use a flashlight, so as not to illuminate the whole coop and wake everyone up. Reach underneath him and grab both legs with one hand, then pull him off the roost holding him upside down by the legs. He can't fight in that position. He'll flap and try to turn himself up - just hold tight, and push his head downwards. He'll stop. Then you can turn him upright and wrap your other arm around him to contain the wings. I've never known one to try to peck me once I've got control of him - but you can cover his head with your hand or a rag/towel and he'll stay calm then.

Edited to add: Holding a chicken upside down isn't recommended, as it can stress their breathing and organs. However, in some situations it is warranted, and done quickly and briefly they won't suffer any harm.

 

[Txpollock]

Yes, this ^^^.
Wait until it's FULL dark, so they're all in their nighttime stupor. Use a flashlight, so as not to illuminate the whole coop and wake everyone up. Reach underneath him and grab both legs with one hand, then pull him off the roost holding him upside down by the legs. He can't fight in that position. He'll flap and try to turn himself up - just hold tight, and push his head downwards. He'll stop. Then you can turn him upright and wrap your other arm around him to contain the wings. I've never known one to try to peck me once I've got control of him - but you can cover his head with your hand or a rag/towel and he'll stay calm then.

Edited to add: Holding a chicken upside down isn't recommended, as it can stress their breathing and organs. However, in some situations it is warranted, and done quickly and briefly they won't suffer any harm.

Perfect! I’m on it. We’ll be taking care of that tonight. I definitely don’t want to be guarding myself when I go to feed and gather eggs.

 

[Txpollock]

Rooster is gone and this chicken mama is happy again! I love to chill with my chicken and there was no way that was happening with an aggressive rooster in the run. I hate that it had to be that way, because he was a pretty cool rooster, but it is what it is!

 

[Mrs. K]

Most of us keep the first rotten rooster too long. Later, we wonder why we waited so long. Roosters have ruined the whole chicken experience for a lot of people.

 

[Shadrach]

Roosters have ruined the whole chicken experience for a lot of people.

Having a rooster is the whole chicken experience. Having a few hens is just having a few hens.

 

[Mrs. K]

For you...

I do like having a rooster, and have had one for years. Some roosters are fabulous flock masters, some are ok, and some are jerks. No need for me or IMO anyone else to keep a jerk.