I think my rooster is just reaching maturity...he is about7-8 months old & a hatchery buff orpington. I didn't really want a rooster when I got him but now that he has been here I am kinda liking the idea. I fell into this breed because that is what my friend has & I got them from her. I was happy to read that the breed is known for being friendly and I hoped he'd be true to type. Usually when I walk towards him he gives me a wide berth & he has been respectful of the dogs (border collies-who are not aggressive towards him). My runner ducks & drakes seem to push him around too.
Unfortunately this week he is not acting like a warm friendly BO. I was coming in the front gate a couple days ago & he jumped at me. Yesterday he was poking around my feet while I was sitting in the yard & I lifted my foot to shoo him away a bit & he came at me. I stood up & went right at him & kicked out (I had on sneakers) and made glancing blows under his chin each time he jumped & flapped at me ...probably 4 times in all. He wasn't injured & really didn't even seem phased at all but he did back down. Tonight when I got home I was preparing to put out some feed like always & my 14 1/2 year old dog was out with me. and he went after her. It was a halfhearted attempt but it really ticked me off because she is old & frail and was not even paying attention to the birds. I yelled & booted him right in the butt- again in sneaks- and made a good connection some feathers came out & he jumped away. After that he was very respectful/fearful and avoided me like the plague.
I am really new to chickens but I have read a lot of info about rooster issues. I think I either need to rehome him or put him in the crockpot (not sure I can do this myself). Am I being too hard on him? Jumping the gun? He is young so might he grow out of it?
My inclination is to look for another roo, from show lines (friendlier I think??). I have some one month old ameraucanas & I am sure at least one of those will be a roo and I believe they are show lines though not certain. They are very skittish right now but the mealworms really warmed them up to me. I am planning on getting a few australorp pullets this weekend too.
Sooo, to the point, should I wait on my Ams to see if one of them can take over rooster duty? Or would I be better to get a mature roo from someone & put my BO in the pot now? There are lots of hawks, eagles, etc & my birds free range during the day so I feel like a roo might help keep them safer.
There was a really handsome Speckled sussex at the farm swap last weekend that she wanted $15 for- she even had 2 lovely hens to go with him ($20 a piece-is that a lot?) he had HUGE spurs but she said he was very sweet.
Thanks for any advice you can give!!
Unfortunately this week he is not acting like a warm friendly BO. I was coming in the front gate a couple days ago & he jumped at me. Yesterday he was poking around my feet while I was sitting in the yard & I lifted my foot to shoo him away a bit & he came at me. I stood up & went right at him & kicked out (I had on sneakers) and made glancing blows under his chin each time he jumped & flapped at me ...probably 4 times in all. He wasn't injured & really didn't even seem phased at all but he did back down. Tonight when I got home I was preparing to put out some feed like always & my 14 1/2 year old dog was out with me. and he went after her. It was a halfhearted attempt but it really ticked me off because she is old & frail and was not even paying attention to the birds. I yelled & booted him right in the butt- again in sneaks- and made a good connection some feathers came out & he jumped away. After that he was very respectful/fearful and avoided me like the plague.
I am really new to chickens but I have read a lot of info about rooster issues. I think I either need to rehome him or put him in the crockpot (not sure I can do this myself). Am I being too hard on him? Jumping the gun? He is young so might he grow out of it?
My inclination is to look for another roo, from show lines (friendlier I think??). I have some one month old ameraucanas & I am sure at least one of those will be a roo and I believe they are show lines though not certain. They are very skittish right now but the mealworms really warmed them up to me. I am planning on getting a few australorp pullets this weekend too.
Sooo, to the point, should I wait on my Ams to see if one of them can take over rooster duty? Or would I be better to get a mature roo from someone & put my BO in the pot now? There are lots of hawks, eagles, etc & my birds free range during the day so I feel like a roo might help keep them safer.
There was a really handsome Speckled sussex at the farm swap last weekend that she wanted $15 for- she even had 2 lovely hens to go with him ($20 a piece-is that a lot?) he had HUGE spurs but she said he was very sweet.
Thanks for any advice you can give!!
