Aggressive Rooster euthanasia at vet

[Tunie B]

Like so many of us here, I have been dealing with a human-aggressive rooster for…an embarrassing amount of time. He was my first rooster, and I am quite fond of him. But he has been a huge problem and taken all the fun out of a hobby that brings me joy otherwise. He’s an Easter Egger and gorgeous.

I have done all the things I could—clipped his wings, trimmed spurs, paid too much to build a very high enclosure for the run. I love seeing his fancy tail as he marches through the yard with his girls during free-range time.

However—this is two years of not being able to safely be around him. I admire his dedication to the job, but it sucks all the joy out of chicken-keeping. I tried looking for a good home for him, but I don’t want him to be scared or abused by a stranger. My ex-husband actually hurt him last summer when the rooster was loose and ex was trying to just go to car for work. Human-aggressive roosters should not be free, obviously—I don’t want people or animals injured.

I’ve run out of energy for this and am making an appointment with my vet to euthanize the rooster.

Has anyone else done this? I do have 2 hens that are attached to him and do worry about them. I have a small flock and he was my first rooster. I might try again later with a nice adult rooster whose temperament can be assured. I have new pullets and really don’t want this guy to pass along aggressive genes.

 

[3KillerBs]

It's a hard choice, but if you aren't up to culling him yourself then it's the right choice.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I turn mine into soup.

 

[Iluveggers]

Just an idea. Can you get a small coop and run, with feeders and egg boxes from the outside, and put him & his two favorites in it? I personally would euthanize, but if you really don’t want to, and keep him contained without needing to have contact, you could keep him.

 

[Tunie B]

It's a hard choice, but if you aren't up to culling him yourself then it's the right choice.

Thank you . I don’t have the stomach to do myself; waiting to get a call from vet about their method so I can be reassured that he will have the most peaceful end.

 

[Tunie B]

Just an idea. Can you get a small coop and run, with feeders and egg boxes from the outside, and put him & his two favorites in it? I personally would euthanize, but if you really don’t want to, and keep him contained without needing to have contact, you could keep him.

I have considered this, too. The biggest issue would be then building a 2nd space for them and then doing all the upkeep for 2 different flocks. And potentially it would mean not being able to leave town, since family less than thrilled to feed him while I’m away.

 

[bobbi-j]

I think you’re doing the right thing. But I would trust the vet to just get the job done and not ask about the method. You know it has to be done, and will be over in a moment. Vets aren’t in the business of making animals suffer for any length of time. Your two hens will adjust. They’ll be confused for a short time because of the change in flock dynamics, but they’ll get over it.

 

[Tunie B]

Like so many of us here, I have been dealing with a human-aggressive rooster for…an embarrassing amount of time. He was my first rooster, and I am quite fond of him. But he has been a huge problem and taken all the fun out of a hobby that brings me joy otherwise. He’s an Easter Egger and gorgeous.

I have done all the things I could—clipped his wings, trimmed spurs, paid too much to build a very high enclosure for the run. I love seeing his fancy tail as he marches through the yard with his girls during free-range time.

However—this is two years of not being able to safely be around him. I admire his dedication to the job, but it sucks all the joy out of chicken-keeping. I tried looking for a good home for him, but I don’t want him to be scared or abused by a stranger. My ex-husband actually hurt him last summer when the rooster was loose and ex was trying to just go to car for work. Human-aggressive roosters should not be free, obviously—I don’t want people or animals injured.

I’ve run out of energy for this and am making an appointment with my vet to euthanize the rooster.

Has anyone else done this? I do have 2 hens that are attached to him and do worry about them. I have a small flock and he was my first rooster. I might try again later with a nice adult rooster whose temperament can be assured. I have new pullets and really don’t want this guy to pass along aggressive genes.

UPDATE: A close friend who has chicken experience has offered to take my guy for me! I was absolutely THRILLED that she suggested it. She just bought a house with several acres and he will live happily ever after with his favorite hens. My friend knows 100% that he’s aggressive, and she is excited about having them.
Unexpected but awesome news!!

 

[Idaho Chicken Bungalow]

I had to intervene last night, my Young ee was tormenting my 8 week olds to the point I thought he was seriously going to do harm or worse. I culled him. I'm a hot mess today. Asking myself all the questions. Was I too hasty? Should I have waited? I feel so guilty. May I suggest having someone or a vet do it?

 

[Tunie B]

I had to intervene last night, my Young ee was tormenting my 8 week olds to the point I thought he was seriously going to do harm or worse. I culled him. I'm a hot mess today. Asking myself all the questions. Was I too hasty? Should I have waited? I feel so guilty. May I suggest having someone or a vet do it?

I’m so sorry—that sounds so upsetting.

I definitely was going to take my rooster to my avian vet for euthanasia (before my friend offered). I know I don’t have the stomach to do it myself.

I already feel so much relief just knowing that I won’t have to arm myself with a rake or otherwise deal with different containment solutions. I’m going to give my friend a chance to back out if she needs. I will still euthanize is she changes her mind, and just making this decision has lifted a weight.

I hope you can find peace, too.