VERY Aggressive Rooster: Please Help!

[MapleBlondieFarm]

I’ve been dealing with an increasingly aggressive rooster in my flock for coming on 6 months now. I deeply value the role he plays, particularly in that he’s been an exceptional protector for our free range hens. Knock on wood we haven’t lost a single one (or had so much as an injury) in the year he’s been with them. I’ve read forums and watched videos.. on the rare occasions I’ve tricked him and been quick enough to pick him up and carry him around, I’ve tried reinforcing that I’m the treat lady and also (gently) reminding him that I’m alpha by mimicking alpha rooster behavior.

I don’t want to get rid of him, but frankly he’s stealing the joy I once had in raising my girls. I have to carry a rake around with me at all times because his new trick is to dart (at speed from a distance) and then attack me. I’m young and agile but it gives me a heart attack every time and it’s just miserable. In the summer I garden and the last thing I need is him trying that trick while I’m crouched down in shorts and a tank top. I don’t want to be afraid of my own animals.

So now what? Do I cull him or offer him up for free with full transparency to his temperament? Do I try and introduce a new rooster and make a point to do better imprinting/training? As fabulous as it could be, I’m hesitant to let him go and not have a rooster because I want my girls to be protected. We live near woods and my neighbors have lost tons of chickens. I wish I could suck it up but I can’t have children or guests anywhere near him. I can’t go on like this! Thanks in advance everyone!

 

[nuthatched]

I would cull him or advertise him as such.
Hens really don't need a rooster for protection but if you want one, you can get always try again with another rooster, they're easy to get.

 

[MildlyOffensiveChicken]

I had a BCM that never stopped being human aggressive. He was good with the hens. I ate him in the fall.

 

[Sara S]

I’ve been dealing with an increasingly aggressive rooster in my flock for coming on 6 months now. I deeply value the role he plays, particularly in that he’s been an exceptional protector for our free range hens. Knock on wood we haven’t lost a single one (or had so much as an injury) in the year he’s been with them. I’ve read forums and watched videos.. on the rare occasions I’ve tricked him and been quick enough to pick him up and carry him around, I’ve tried reinforcing that I’m the treat lady and also (gently) reminding him that I’m alpha by mimicking alpha rooster behavior.

I don’t want to get rid of him, but frankly he’s stealing the joy I once had in raising my girls. I have to carry a rake around with me at all times because his new trick is to dart (at speed from a distance) and then attack me. I’m young and agile but it gives me a heart attack every time and it’s just miserable. In the summer I garden and the last thing I need is him trying that trick while I’m crouched down in shorts and a tank top. I don’t want to be afraid of my own animals.

So now what? Do I cull him or offer him up for free with full transparency to his temperament? Do I try and introduce a new rooster and make a point to do better imprinting/training? As fabulous as it could be, I’m hesitant to let him go and not have a rooster because I want my girls to be protected. We live near woods and my neighbors have lost tons of chickens. I wish I could suck it up but I can’t have children or guests anywhere near him. I can’t go on like this! Thanks in advance everyone!

This is horrible! Honestly, he needs to go. I always talk about how I could never but I care more for my own safety (and yours) than that rooster….. maybe he’s only being protective to the girls? Good luck and hope he can change his delusional ways

 

[MapleBlondieFarm]

I would cull him or advertise him as such.
Hens really don't need a rooster for protection but if you want one, you can get always try again with another rooster, they're easy to get.

Even if they’re free range? Mine seem a little naive. So sweet, and I’m not sure how “street smart” they are when it comes to predators lurking about. Maybe I should give them more credit?

 

[MapleBlondieFarm]

This is horrible! Honestly, he needs to go. I always talk about how I could never but I care more for my own safety (and yours) than that rooster….. maybe he’s only being protective to the girls? Good luck and hope he can change his delusional ways

Thank you!! I feel the exact same! I think I just needed to hear that it was ok, and I’d tried my best!

 

[Sara S]

Even if they’re free range? Mine seem a little naive. So sweet, and I’m not sure how “street smart” they are when it comes to predators lurking about. Maybe I should give them more credit?

Maybe, but mine are kind of like that now with my little roo, they run when the crows sound alarm and hide, but they start just following him and go where he goes… try a new roo maybe it will work…

 

[Sara S]

Thank you!! I feel the exact same! I think I just needed to hear that it was ok, and I’d tried my best!

Yea it’s horrible… I’m hatching chicks soon, wish I could give you one! My chickens are the sweetest ever (my EEs love to come and cuddle) and My silkie Roo Is the calmest rooster ever! Some are just bad eggs i guess

 

[MapleBlondieFarm]

I had a BCM that never stopped being human aggressive. He was good with the hens. I ate him in the fall.

This guy is a golden laced wyandotte. If you (or others) have had positive experiences with other breeds I’d love to know that too! I haven’t had enough rooster experience to know how much is breed selection (nature) vs nurture.

 

[Isadora]

Roosters don't usually do that much in terms of protecting the flock. If you're concerned about predators, fencing in a large run would be a lot more effective. Obviously not as fun for the girls, but effective.
I have roosters too, but I only keep the gentlemen. There are plenty of good roosters who need a new home out there. I bet if you look around (craigslist, Facebook, etc), you could find one to replace him who has a better temperament.
And please don't be too hard on yourself. There is only so much people can do to try to settle down the boys who have misplaced aggression. If he's sucking your joy from having chickens, he's not worth it.