In my experience with BCMs I have had both aggressive and respectful roosters. If a Rooster is too agreessive with humans or hens they go in the dumpling pot. I believe the chooks temperament is equal parts genetic and behavioral.
I spend as much time as I can with all the chicks for the first 2 months to habituate them to me and my daily activities in their pen. When the cockerels are about 2 months old I introduce 2 or 3 older hens to the grow out pen to teach them good manners. The older hens will put young cockerels in their place real quick and the cockerels see the hens interacting with me. When the cockerels turn 3 months old their hormones start kicking in so at this point I began to largely ignore them when I enter their pen. By 6 months the Rooster is mature and his mindset is as protector of the flock.
So, it is up to us as flock owners to not be perceived as a threat to the flock. I do not make any attempt to pet, hand feed or catch the Rooster. When I enter the pen I respect the Roosters space and he better respect mine while I tend to my chores. By space I mean that I never walk directly at the Rooster, I always approach from the side so that he can move unimpeded out of my way. When rotating chickens between pens I do so at night so the Rooster doesn't perceive me as a threat to him or the hens. I haven't had any temperament issues with my BCM Roosters in the past several years. This method seems to work for me but it's not foolproof - no matter how well you raise your chooks there is bound to be a knucklehead or two show up once in a while. When that happens - you have supper.
Keith
