Pecking Rooster

[Nanook33]

We have a ""PET"" rooster who became dominant after the bad boys left. Sometimes he likes to show his authority & run after you or now he'll try to attack the plastic shovel I take in to stop him. My neighbor suggested spraying vinegar at the aggressive bugger. I don't want to hurt him. Is this a safe way to show him who's really boss? Thanks for any advice.

 

[DemeterAD9]

Age? Sounds to me there isn't much that can done to correct his behavior at this point. You can try the old "hold them down to the ground" or "carry them around" thing or you can start smacking him with a stick so he learns a bit of fear and to keep his distance. It probably won't hurt to spray him with vinegar unless you get it in his eyes. Even still, I don't think that will fix your problem.

An aggressive rooster is being territorial to you, the keeper. He is trying to chase you off and when that doesn't work he will likely try to cause physical harm. There's no reason to keep a bad rooster so I personally would eat him. I haven't been keeping chickens for long, just about 6 months, but I've learned a ton and getting attached to a cockerel is something that should be avoided.

Started with 9 boys and 19 girls. I culled 4 of the 5 older ones in hopes of keeping the one, well he got mean and then something killed him (I was going to cull him anyways). I plan to cull another 2 and see how my top 2 picks work out. None of the 4 remaining boys are particularly friendly but they do not dance at me, peck at me, come between me and the pullets, or stay on my heels when I walk around so they are already much nicer than the previous group of cockerels. To anyone who is ever debating on if they should cull a rooster/cockerel for human aggression, the answer is simple. If you are afraid of being attacked then get rid of him.

One thing I will note, out of the 4 older cockerels that I culled 2 were butchered and 2 were given to someone who wanted a couple for their own flock. One in particular was a little jerk who went after me and drew blood twice. I grabbed him both times and carried him around. Then I smacked him with a heavy bucket when he tried coming at me again. He kept his distance after that and apparently he has become a tame boy who follows his new owner around.

 

[Nanook33]

Age? Sounds to me there isn't much that can done to correct his behavior at this point. You can try the old "hold them down to the ground" or "carry them around" thing or you can start smacking him with a stick so he learns a bit of fear and to keep his distance. It probably won't hurt to spray him with vinegar unless you get it in his eyes. Even still, I don't think that will fix your problem.

An aggressive rooster is being territorial to you, the keeper. He is trying to chase you off and when that doesn't work he will likely try to cause physical harm. There's no reason to keep a bad rooster so I personally would eat him. I haven't been keeping chickens for long, just about 6 months, but I've learned a ton and getting attached to a cockerel is something that should be avoided.

Started with 9 boys and 19 girls. I culled 4 of the 5 older ones in hopes of keeping the one, well he got mean and then something killed him (I was going to cull him anyways). I plan to cull another 2 and see how my top 2 picks work out. None of the 4 remaining boys are particularly friendly but they do not dance at me, peck at me, come between me and the pullets, or stay on my heels when I walk around so they are already much nicer than the previous group of cockerels. To anyone who is ever debating on if they should cull a rooster/cockerel for human aggression, the answer is simple. If you are afraid of being attacked then get rid of him.

One thing I will note, out of the 4 older cockerels that I culled 2 were butchered and 2 were given to someone who wanted a couple for their own flock. One in particular was a little jerk who went after me and drew blood twice. I grabbed him both times and carried him around. Then I smacked him with a heavy bucket when he tried coming at me again. He kept his distance after that and apparently he has become a tame boy who follows his new owner around.

Thank you for your advice. I guess if things don't go well, he'll have to find a new place to hang his hat. You are SO right. The next time I get new chickens there will be NO-NONE-ZERO roosters. Period. I don't need fertile eggs & I don't need to be harassed by a rooster.

 

[DemeterAD9]

Thank you for your advice. I guess if things don't go well, he'll have to find a new place to hang his hat. You are SO right. The next time I get new chickens there will be NO-NONE-ZERO roosters. Period. I don't need fertile eggs & I don't need to be harassed by a rooster.

Yes, it's no fun worrying about a mean roo! I'm sure you will be much happier if/when you get rid of your problem roo. I know I was amazed by the near immediate difference I saw once I culled my extras, it's been much more enjoyable not having the mean cockerels to worry about. The flock is more peaceful and will be even more calm once the 2 other boys are gone, just waiting as long as I can so the lanky boys fill out a bit more before processing them.

 

[Nanook33]

Yes, it's no fun worrying about a mean roo! I'm sure you will be much happier if/when you get rid of your problem roo. I know I was amazed by the near immediate difference I saw once I culled my extras, it's been much more enjoyable not having the mean cockerels to worry about. The flock is more peaceful and will be even more calm once the 2 other boys are gone, just waiting as long as I can so the lanky boys fill out a bit more before processing them.

My Dad raised chickens for eggs many, many moons ago when I was a kid. I don't remember him having this much fun. They sure make life interesting, don't they. The eggs are great, though.