7-week old Roo Attacking Me

[bcorps]

I have three cockerels. One is clearly the alpha. Next in line is my favorite, whose idea of attacking me would be to remove all of my freckles and body hair while nestling in the crook of my arm.

The last one, however, while clearly not alpha or even second in command, has started attacking me when I change their food bowl. I'm a big, tough guy, so he isn't really hurting me, but I know the difference between curious pecking and biting. I do not want this to become a habit, as I'm sure when he weighs 10 lbs and has 2 inch spurs, it will indeed hurt. He clearly sees me as invading the cage.

The first time he did it, I brushed him away. He jumped right back and continued, so I brushed him back even more firmly. Not intimidated whatsoever, he went right back to the attack. I was using one hand to hold up the lid to the cage, and let me tell you, catching a chicken with one hand is not easy! It was ridiculous...dodge...bite...dodge....bite....dodge...bite. After getting everybody else all upset (my mistake), I finally just leaned the lid on my shoulder and caught him with two hands.

He put up quite a fight, but I wrapped him up against my chest and covered/pushed down his head and held him there for a couple minutes. When I put him back in, he seemed to have decided discretion was the better part of valor and avoided me. After feeding them, I stuck my arm in next to his head and he just stood there, seemingly not sure of what to do. I even scratched his head a little, with no response.

Anyone else get attacked by a baby? Geez, I spend lots of time with these brats, so it isn't lack of contact.

 

[sourland]

Sometimes lots of contact results in lack of respect on the part of cockerels. Pushing or slapping at seems to inspire more flogging/aggression on the part of cockerels. Subordination , like you did, sometimes helps with changing this aggression. Human aggression on the part of such a young cockerel does not bode well for the future. If children are involved, I would be making plans to relocate this bird. Good luck with him.

 

[bcorps]

Sometimes lots of contact results in lack of respect on the part of cockerels. Pushing or slapping at seems to inspire more flogging/aggression on the part of cockerels. Subordination , like you did, sometimes helps with changing this aggression. Human aggression on the part of such a young cockerel does not bode well for the future. If children are involved, I would be making plans to relocate this bird. Good luck with him.

I don't have any kids, but I don't take kindly to being attacked myself. I will be watching him closely.

 

[MysteryChicken]

My boy Goober never really attacked me, but more in the line of play fight since he was 2 weeks old, it continued until 7 weeks, then he settled down. Now he's about 13-14 weeks, & acts like a bratty teenager.

2 weeks

6 weeks

8 weeks

10 weeks

13-14 weeks

 

[MrFluffyandGirls]

In my experience with roosters it only gets worse. Are you keeping them in a bachelor pad or with hens? Typically when i have had roos; without hens are easier to deal with. I know people have loving roosters that would not hurt a fly but I've never had one. I either cull or re-home.

 

[PioneerChicks]

Methods for Dealing with Roosters

 

[bcorps]

In my experience with roosters it only gets worse. Are you keeping them in a bachelor pad or with hens? Typically when i have had roos; without hens are easier to deal with. I know people have loving roosters that would not hurt a fly but I've never had one. I either cull or re-home.

They're a bit crowded right now, but are going outside for good next weekend. 3 girls and 3 boys right now. I have assumed since I found out I had multiple roos that I would need to exercise some population control at some point, but I will at least wait til they have more space and more things to keep their brains busier. I have 6 more pullet chicks coming in 2 weeks. Eventually, I will have 1-2 roos and 9 hens.

 

[Katie386]

I’ve had roosters that didn’t like me. I love my birds so I’m always picking them up and hugging them. The birds who don’t like me avoid me like the plague because that don’t want to be picked up. Like you said the rooster calmed down once he realized he could not defeat you. I think if you continue to try to pick him up he will eventually quit coming near you. This is just an opinion I have no clue if it’s true.you should also have ten hens for every rooster to keep them happy.

 

[bcorps]

I’ve had roosters that didn’t like me. I love my birds so I’m always picking them up and hugging them. The birds who don’t like me avoid me like the plague because that don’t want to be picked up. Like you said the rooster calmed down once he realized he could not defeat you. I think if you continue to try to pick him up he will eventually quit coming near you. This is just an opinion I have no clue if it’s true.you should also have ten hens for every rooster to keep them happy.

I ordered some Grubblies, which should be delivered today. Between that and the crushed pecans I've already been offering as treats, we'll see if we can turn his frown upside down.

 

[MrFluffyandGirls]

They're a bit crowded right now, but are going outside for good next weekend. 3 girls and 3 boys right now. I have assumed since I found out I had multiple roos that I would need to exercise some population control at some point, but I will at least wait til they have more space and more things to keep their brains busier. I have 6 more pullet chicks coming in 2 weeks. Eventually, I will have 1-2 roos and 9 hens.

10-12 hens per roo is a good ratio. Over breeding and harassment from the the roos can cause stress and damaged hens. I'd defiantly save to "Kindest" roo when deciding who to keep.