Aggressive Rooster - problem?

[hoping4better]

I have an aggressive 17 week old sexlink rooster. He's not agressive with me, in fact, he seems to like me and see me as 'king rooster'. However, my three year old was chased by him today (while I was away) and he tried to peck her in the face when she tripped and fell. Luckily, she had her hand up and he just nipped her hand.

So, my question is, can his behavior be curbed or am I looking at a chicken dinner? I've got 20 chickens, 4 roosters, 16 hens and this one is the top dog. I'd hate to lose him, but kids come before pets and he won't be giving me any eggs anyway. Also, if he's going to be too aggressive I'd rather not have him reproducing with any of the eggs if the hens get broody. Any advice?

 

[drdoolittle]

If your 3 year-old is going to be around the chickens a lot, I would consider that roo Sunday dinner.

 

[sourland]

JMO It's not worth the risk of permanent damage to your child's eyes or face. Cull him yesterday.

 

[Fred's Hens]

If you search here, you will find hundreds of threads about aggressive roosters and some folks have various methods of trying to calm them. That said, with children at risk, I seldom see the value in doing so. Roosters are a dime a dozen and as a mixed sex link, his breeding worth is nothing. Sex links are created specifically to produce pullet identification. Sex Link roosters are for chicken soup.

 

[Captain Carrot]

Quote:
too true.


Aggressiveness sin roosters is hereditary, so the roosters that he's breeding can also be aggressive. He's gotta go.


When I started out, a rooster attacked my then 3 year old daughter. I didn't even have to think about it, he went straight away. he was tasty too

 

[RainbowBirds_of_a_Feather]

Aloha,

When it comes to safety and your children, the kids are more important. I would cull or re-home him. Close or even if she blocked it is not acceptable. In the long run your daughter may be in fear for her life when it comes to chickens. (I have a friend that fears aggressive roosters.) I would rather get another roo that will be more apt to children and would rather be cuddled and not aggressive toward family. There are other breeds like Brahmas and Cochins that will be more friendlier. Buff Orphingtons and other docile breeds would be the ticket. Google search under Docile chicken breeds. If you start off from scratch and raise another roo. Have your daughter handle and feed him to get the chick accustomed to her and then she will have the upper hand. (just a suggestion) But I would remove that roo immediately.

 

[bobbi-j]

I vote chicken dinner. Keep your little one safe.

 

[Tony]

Freezer camp for that guy. Enjoy your Dinner

 

[Shiloh Acres]

I wouldn't think twice -- a three year old is too vulnerable and could be seriously hurt. And his genetics are not worth breeding. You're probably going to need to cull or rehome all but one or possibly two Roos anyway.

You might be able to teach your daughter how to act around the Roos so they would respect her, if you raise new ones. It's already too late for the one that attacked her IMO. But she is probably far too young for lessons like that. The youngest Ive taught children to be the "boss roo" was about ten years old.

Honestly, if it were me, I'd cull him and any other roo that showed aggression to humans, and keep my daughter away from any but THE MOST DOCILE ROO ON THE PLANET until she's a good bit older.

Sorry if that sounds harsh, but kids' safety comes first IMO.

Good luck whatever you decide.

 

[hoping4better]

It's decided then. I was leaning toward having to do it, now it's confirmed. He's toast on Tuesday as I won't have time to do it until then. She'll leave them alone anyway as she was pretty scared with that event.

I was hoping there might be a method. I've read a number of threads before on how to show dominance, but my 3 year old won't and won't be able to do it. I haven't seen any threads on how to get a roo to respect those who belong to you though.

Thank you all for your input/opinion.