Fiesty Bantam roo behavior

[Frazzled chicken tender]

My bantam roo (@4 yo), alternates between attacks and then seemingly friendly behavior. He flies up on my arm when i stretch it out, but also sometimes jumps on my back and tries to peck the back of my neck. For the most part he tolerates my presence around the hens. Sometimes he just hops on my knee and sits a short while and then hops off, not attacking. Lately, howeve, he has been flying at my head. I manage to block him, and try to keep my guard up whenever i'm around him. I have a feeling this is another attempt at dominant behavior, not an outright attack at my face. Has anyone had any experience with this type of behavior? He is extremely devoted to his hens.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I had one years ago that kept coming at me like that. A little Bantam frizzled Cochin. He eventually went in the freezer. It became dangerous to keep dodging his attacks. He was a roo I handled a lot as a chick. Guess he thought I was one of his hens.

 

[Frazzled chicken tender]

I had one years ago that kept coming at me like that. A little Bantam frizzled Cochin. He eventually went in the freezer. It became dangerous to keep dodging his attacks. He was a roo I handled a lot as a chick. Guess he thought I was one of his hens.

Sometime i wonder if this one thinks i'm just a really large, bad mannered hen that doesnt present the right way.

 

[GlicksChicks]

sometimes jumps on my back and tries to peck the back of my neck.

This could be a partial cause to it. You were letting him get on the same level or above you, and he was able to peck you. With some roosters, it can be testing the waters to see what you will allow.

Lately, howeve, he has been flying at my head.

He has been allowed to be on your back and arms, so he thinks there is no problem with him fighting his way up there. He thinks you won't do something back.

I have a feeling this is another attempt at dominant behavior, not an outright attack at my face.

I think it is his next level of testing what you will allow. You might need to shove him away when he flies at you like that. Don't let him do it. I had a rooster who tried to attack me once, I pushed back, he didn't mess with me again. So he is still living happily with my flock.

He is extremely devoted to his hens.

That is one way you know he does not think you are his hen. If he would attack his hens outright like that, then he would not be devoted. The only time my rooster pecks his hens is when the hen bullies another hen.

I say try pushing him away when he tries to fly at your face like that again. It may take a couple times, but you need to show him that you are his boss, he is not yours.

 

[SueT]

Don't allow him (or any rooster) to fly onto your arm or jump onto your knee. Make him stay out of your space or invite him to dinner.

 

[Frazzled chicken tender]

This could be a partial cause to it. You were letting him get on the same level or above you, and he was able to peck you. With some roosters, it can be testing the waters to see what you will allow.

He has been allowed to be on your back and arms, so he thinks there is no problem with him fighting his way up there. He thinks you won't do something back.

I think it is his next level of testing what you will allow. You might need to shove him away when he flies at you like that. Don't let him do it. I had a rooster who tried to attack me once, I pushed back, he didn't mess with me again. So he is still living happily with my flock.

That is one way you know he does not think you are his hen. If he would attack his hens outright like that, then he would not be devoted. The only time my rooster pecks his hens is when the hen bullies another hen.

I say try pushing him away when he tries to fly at your face like that again. It may take a couple times, but you need to show him that you are his boss, he is not yours.

Thank you, all good points! I immediately blocked him each time he flew at my head/face, just out of reflex. Not sure why he is still trying, but the other day, i quickly picked him up before he could run off and he seems to be keeping his distance. I hadnt thought of allowing him to fly onto my arm is inviting more dominant behavior, was thinking it might invite more trust. I'm careful to always keep a gloved hand up if he jumps on my knee. I'll minimize allowing him this leeway, just trying to gain his trust. Thanks for the input!

 

[Frazzled chicken tender]

Don't allow him (or any rooster) to fly onto your arm or jump onto your knee. Make him stay out of your space or invite him to dinner.

Thank you! I have just heard of so many good interactions between roos and their owners where this happens. But it does seem to be escalating a bit so i wont let him. I was hoping it was him trying to gain a friendship of sorts (yes i realize hoe ridiculous that sounds) but seems like he might have been testing me.