Advice on keeping roosters

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I find some roosters get confused by handling, they see you as an equal, or someone to be dominated, I think that's why so many people who handle their rooster end up in trouble, they are rewarding forward dominant behaviors, a dominant rooster in a flock will peck and chase those younger or below him in dominance and age, by handling and treating roosters you are asking them to come forward instead of hanging back respectfully, some roosters can handle that, most aren't smart enough to realize you're not another rooster who he will want to dominate as he becomes sexually mature. So I personally don't befriend them and I want them to run from me, it's respectful. Ignore your roosters, and pet your hens. I have 10 mature roosters, and had many before these, the only one I had trouble with I handled and petted him. So why set yourself up for failure if it can be avoided.

 

[chickentvforme]

I find some roosters get confused by handling, they see you as an equal, or someone to be dominated, I think that's why so many people who handle their rooster end up in trouble, they are rewarding forward dominant behaviors, a dominant rooster in a flock will peck and chase those younger or below him in dominance and age, by handling and treating roosters you are asking them to come forward instead of hanging back respectfully, some roosters can handle that, most aren't smart enough to realize you're not another rooster who he will want to dominate as he becomes sexually mature. So I personally don't befriend them and I want them to run from me, it's respectful. Ignore your roosters, and pet your hens. I have 10 mature roosters, and had many before these, the only one I had trouble with I handled and petted him. So why set yourself up for failure if it can be avoided.

Well we must be doing ok. (Fingers crossed) When we want to pet one we have to really be creative to catch them. They normally will move away from us, unless a feed bucket is involved. Thank you so much for answering my questions.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

That sounds good, you are actually chasing them like a top rooster. Hopefully they stay nice.

 

[chickentvforme]

That sounds good, you are actually chasing them like a top rooster. Hopefully they stay nice.

Lol. I had no idea how good at being top rooster we were until tonight.

Your explanation is the first time I have understood rooster behavior. Thank you.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

One of my hobbies is to observe animal behavior and figuring out the purpose and reason for behavior, it makes keeping livestock easier because I base my husbandry on fulfilling their mental needs, as well as their physical needs.

 

[aart]

I find some roosters get confused by handling, they see you as an equal, or someone to be dominated, I think that's why so many people who handle their rooster end up in trouble, they are rewarding forward dominant behaviors, a dominant rooster in a flock will peck and chase those younger or below him in dominance and age, by handling and treating roosters you are asking them to come forward instead of hanging back respectfully, some roosters can handle that, most aren't smart enough to realize you're not another rooster who he will want to dominate as he becomes sexually mature. So I personally don't befriend them and I want them to run from me, it's respectful. Ignore your roosters, and pet your hens. I have 10 mature roosters, and had many before these, the only one I had trouble with I handled and petted him. So why set yourself up for failure if it can be avoided.

Agrees^^^ good post.

This is my protocol:
-stop handling the males as much as soon as I know they are male, for the reasons stated above.
-still handle them regularly just so they know that I can and will if I want to and that it will not hurt them.
-continue handling the females frequently, partially so the male will know that I can and will and that it will not hurt them.
-still feed all from hand just for the familiarity aspect, eventually the male will take the food and drop it for the females, or not take it at all.
-rarely 'chase' any bird to handle it unless it's critical, just causes unnecessary stress for all involved.
-don't handle any bird that doesn't want it, I have a couple that seems to like it..... am not a chicken cuddler, have a dog for that.

 

[merrylegs]

I have ten roosters in a run of their own. Ten hatched from twelve eggs, they are lovely boys, all different, all named, and they know their own names. I have twelve hens in another run with two roosters, which is more than enough for them. The thing is, I feel bad for my boys as they have to live celibate lives, but at least they have life... no one will take roosters, so is it ok for them? They get on well enough to be housed together. I have learnt my lesson, not to breed my own chicks anymore lol. At least my boys are loved as pets, as is the rest of my flock. Any advice out there in chicken world, is there anything I need to do?
The rooster in the photo, is being given treats by hubby, he is so tame now, he comes in every evening for his treats, but he used to attack me every time I went into the run. I had to separate him from his ladies, as they pecked out all his crest feathers, but now he loves affection and hangs around me all the time.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I have a few roosters that have no hens, they are older now and seem fine with it, though they try to make a little trouble in the spring, I'm glad you were able to accommodate them.