Rooster behavior

[Chescochickens]

Hi all,

I have a Cochin rooster who is 7 months old. He’s mating with the hens and seems to be managing the flock well. He used to be friendly toward my daughter and me but lately he’s shown signs of aggression. He chased and pecked her once and now occasionally charges at her but backs down. He just started charging at me and backing down as well. I do try to pick him up but am getting a bit intimidated by him. I could rehome him but find him a great asset to the flock and just a cool feature of our little farm. He’s the first I’ve raised and kept to this age so this is uncharted territory. I went with Cochin because I expected him to be docile especially with all the handling he’s had. Is this just a phase given his age? He’s also been cooped up in the run for a while as we have a lot of foxes this time of year and there is snow on the ground so the hens are staying it. Curious how to work with him or what the charging etc may mean. He does also crow at me when I’m in the run which seems to be him claiming his territory. Any thoughts/advice are welcome. Here he is. He’s big!

 

[DLA]

He's challenging you because most roosters want to be in charge of everything in their environment. He's got his hens all trained so now it's your turn. Some are very well behaved, some not so much. I'm not recommending hurting him but you do need to stand up to him and put him in his place. If you back down or run you're showing him that he's higher in the pecking order than you are. Everyone should wear eye/head protection, long sleeves and pants until you get him under control so no one gets hurt. If you can't settle down his behavior, then I personally wouldn't keep a rooster that won't respect me and my family as being above him in the pecking order.

 

[Chescochickens]

Ok this is what I was worried about. So I do stand my ground and usually pickup a stick/rake/table, anything I can grab when he charges. What else should I be doing to show I am the highest in the pecking order?

 

[theoldchick]

Since a small child is involved, the rooster needs to go. He's simply being a rooster and if you are not a hen he does not want to be around you. He will continue to attack you. Yes, you can do things to avoid his attack but you child deserves to enjoy your flock without having to watch her back.

 

[Chescochickens]

I’ve been feeling this was more and more. I do have a home for him and will take them up on the offer. I’d love to become a “chicken expert” and be able to handle him but I don’t want to worry about my kids getting hurt.

 

[DLA]

Blocking the attack is good to protect yourself but won't really teach him anything. I personally have had some luck pinning them to the ground like a rooster would do to another chicken he's being dominant over, not letting him up until he stops struggling and accepts it. A couple of times of this and he should start behaving. Any reoccurrence of aggressive behavior should be delt with promptly but if it keeps happening he should go.
But as @theoldchick correctly says if there's a small child involved that's not a good situation.

 

[DLA]

I’ve been feeling this was more and more. I do have a home for him and will take them up on the offer. I’d love to become a “chicken expert” and be able to handle him but I don’t want to worry about my kids getting hurt.

If you have a home for him and you don't need a rooster (for breeding etc) then there's no reason to keep him. They are often more trouble than they are worth.

 

[Chescochickens]

Ok, I’ll let him go then. I’m not breeding and am afraid of how I would manage baby chicks etc with him around because a few of my hens go broody. I feel bad changing the dynamic again but the hens all got along fine without him so hopefully that remains the same with him gone.

 

[DLA]

Ok, I’ll let him go then. I’m not breeding and am afraid of how I would manage baby chicks etc with him around because a few of my hens go broody. I feel bad changing the dynamic again but the hens all got along fine without him so hopefully that remains the same with him gone.

The hens will be fine. They may have to readjust the pecking order but overall probably happier without a rooster there.

 

[Chescochickens]

I have wondered if it’s torture having him around now so hopefully they are happier with him gone. Thanks for helping me make the right decision. I hate giving up an animal but roosters are a different story.