Rhode Island Red Rooster turned mean.

[lkat007]

I have a two in a half year old RIR Rooster who has always been a calm sweet boy. He's never attacked anyone and is a fierce protector of his girls...however, lately he has started to attack me. He snuck up on me when I was near the coop and spurred the back of my leg, causing a nasty wound. I've read different articles of roosters being "more" aggressive in the spring time but I don't understand what would cause this since he over 2 years old.

I push him away when he goes after me (no kicking,) and I try to "back down" as to not pick a fight, but it is difficult. I'm thinking about cutting his spurs. I also used to hold him a lot but now he bites me! I actually chose him specifically b/c he wasn't agreesive. I'm hoping it is just a phase.

 

[Poultry parent]

there could be a predator that is working him up

 

[coltssuperbowl83]

I've read that rir roos can be aggressive. Mine is a pansy though. He lets the bantams roos and hens push him around. Hope he has a change of attitude..

 

[varidgerunner]

At two years old he is just coming into his role of dominant bird. Sure, some come into it earlier, but as they get older, they usually get more aggressive. This is one of the reasons that so many breeds routinely turn out human aggressive roosters, a lot of breeders get rid of them without waiting to see this trait come out, or else have a lot of offspring already near production before seeing it. A lot of people talk about what a sweetheart their bird is, and you come to find their sweetheart is only six months old. Some argue that it is in the handling, and sure you can make any bird turn mean, but it is largely genetic.