Is my cockerel trying to assert dominance?

[franciemayhem]

Hey everyone! I have some questions about my cockerel’s behavior that i was hoping someone might be able to help with

My silkie chicken, Spark, is 3.5 months old. He started displaying signs of being a rooster quite early, and he’s wasted no time taking charge of the flock, even though he’s much smaller than our 5 month old Buff Orpington hens. I’ve had Spark since he was three days old, and he’s always gotten a lot of human contact. I’m not sure if his behavior is a result of attempting to assert dominance, or just being friendly. I think it’s the prior, but i wanted to get other people’s opinions as well.

When I crouch down, Spark will stop what he’s doing and come up to me. He does a little ‘dance,’ as in he taps his feet and kind of shuffles. I know that roosters like to attack from behind, so I crouched down and turned away him to see if he’d take the opportunity, but instead he circled around and stood in front of me again. When I get up to walk away, he’ll follow me all the way to the house. He also squawks when I leave, and sometimes even crows. I’ve read that to assert dominance with a roo it’s a good idea to pick them and carry them around—and I’ve done that a LOT with Spark. I’ve also held him with his belly towards the sky a few times while we get gunk out of his feet feathers. He’s great with being handled, at least with me—he doesn’t struggle or try to escape, even if i’m only supporting him with the palm of my hand.

So is my rooster trying to be the boss, or is he just needy? Let me know what y’all think!

 

[FrostRanger]

Dominance, he's trying to herd you. Not a good sign. I wouldn't cull yet, but I would carry him around a bit or peck him with your fingers every time he does that and be careful as this could be an early sign of potential human aggression in the future

 

[FrostRanger]

Also, never hold a bird upside down, it makes it hard for them to breathe and they can suffocate if you aren't careful

 

[franciemayhem]

Dominance, he's trying to herd you. Not a good sign. I wouldn't cull yet, but I would carry him around a bit or peck him with your fingers every time he does that and be careful as this could be an early sign of potential human aggression in the future

Also, never hold a bird upside down, it makes it hard for them to breathe and they can suffocate if you aren't careful

I should’ve clarified that he wasn’t entirely upside down, and it wasn’t for long, but thank you for the advice Also I’ve carried him around a lot, he’s the easiest to hold , as in he doesn’t struggle or fuss.