Aggressive rooster injuring humans

[Mysterywriter221]

We've been talking about getting rid of him for a while but until now he's done a good job protecting the girls. He's sent the neighbor's cat packing on more than one
occasion and whenever a hawk starts circling he gets the hens into the coop quickly.

It's all the more heartbreaking because he's not always an unholy terror. Yesterday when I was repairing the fence he had no problem with me nor did he last night when I went to check on them like I always do. When I checked on them this morning though he was all feathers, spurs, and hate again...

We had planned on having an all female flock but were surprised by Cacciatore. At least only one of them turned out to be a rooster.

 

[MageofMist]

As much as I love roosters, it does sound like you will need to get rid of him. He is attacking you and your father, causing scars, and is very rough on the hens that remain. If you do keep him and hatch the fertilized eggs, you'll likely end up with more aggressive chickens.

Castration may help if you have the money, but due to how long it has been going on, it seems more than just hormonal aggression since he was pecky even when he was a chick.

 

[Mysterywriter221]

Believe me, we did try to train him. All the hens took to it but he didn't. I can get the hens to follow me and a few of them respond to their names. Cacciatore only knows his name and the sound of the feed bucket.

We decided long ago that we're not letting his bloodline continue. No egg fertilized by him will ever be hatched.

Edit: My brother can also get the hens to perch on his shoulder when he's home. https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ8A0fjBy9q/?taken-by=chicks_of_new_jersey

 

[21hens-incharge]

I had my first cockerel attack this am.
Mine is an oops BA. So far he has puffed up at the dog through the fence, had standoffs with the Brahma pullet, been overly bossy to the other chicks and came at me at 5:30 am.
Breeding is important when choosing a rooster to keep.
I have had several oops roosters over the years. The only nice one was a bantam Cochin.

This one is not nice.
He is not likely to reach processing size.

 

[Folly's place]

My first rooster was a rotten little bantam, who attacked every human every day. We kept him too long, and we learned that life is way to short to keep a jerk like that around. Never again! I now keep three to five cocks with my flock, and all are polite lovely birds, and are a pleasure to have around. I've got ten to twelve cockerels right now (can't sex the Chanteclers yet) and will keep three of the best ones. Decisions to be made this fall. Mary

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Believe me, we did try to train him. All the hens took to it but he didn't. I can get the hens to follow me and a few of them respond to their names. Cacciatore only knows his name and the sound of the feed bucket.

We decided long ago that we're not letting his bloodline continue. No egg fertilized by him will ever be hatched.

Edit: My brother can also get the hens to perch on his shoulder when he's home. https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ8A0fjBy9q/?taken-by=chicks_of_new_jersey

OK, so I can't help but ask... what exactly did you do to "train" them? Because I have a feeling you might could use some pointers if you get other roosters in the future. Which I know this was an oops, as sooo many are.. so maybe it won't be too much of an issue for you again... Just beware of chicken math! It starts with "I'll get just a few hens." 50 chickens later it gets more complicated with goat math and duck math.

Do yourself a favor, and wonder no more... the attacks will likely escalate, start making your plan B.

@21hens-incharge I've had some boys I wondered if they were gonna make it to size also. Even a female Buff Brahma once. Oh wait, that one turned out be a late blooming boy! They say the meaner the roo the sweeter the stew.

 

[chicklette49]

I feel your pain. We sent our rooster to feed someone else. I have not progressed enough to eat it myself. Roosters can be so dangerous. My broody hen just hatched a ton of chicks and I am quite sure we will be walking in your shoes very soon. Good Luck!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Yup EggSighted. He has been a total jerk in the making since 4 weeks of age.
I had chimichangas planned for him. Now it is more like cup-o-soup.

 

[Farmgal101]

I have some easter eggers in the brooder.If you do end up getting rid of him I have some easter egger rosters.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

I heart my guys but if I had a Roo like that... I'd 86 em. Or sell him to someone, use the money to replace him. Start handling the new one at an early age. Continue that thru time. Takes the feral out of mine anyway..
Best regards and good luck on what ever you decide.