Aggressive Rooster

[Chickens_321]

Hi everyone!

So my family and I got a rooster about 2-3 months ago? We integrated him into the group of three hens that we had and everything was fine. He seemed to avoid us and was timid which we took to be simply because we didn't raise him like we did the hens who love to run up to us and say hello. Well recently he has started showing more signs of aggression.

At first we noticed that there is one hen in particular he has taken a liking to, she is a buff orpington (so golden feathers), and after a while her feathers by her neck and towards the tail end have been pulled out? Now the white feathers that are under the gold are exposed. We took this as him being too rough with her since our other hens do not look like that but we weren't sure if this was cause for concern.

A few days ago he would jump and hit my brother from behind. I was with him a few times and he wasn't bothering the hens or anything but when he turned his back to the rooster is would run up and just kick him from behind.

Today he was brave enough to kick me as well! I was closing the door to one of our hens new coop, as we keep her and her new chicks separated from the others, and he just came up out of nowhere and kicked me. I tried to shoo him away but he still kept trying to pick a fight.

So I guess my question is, what should I do? I don't mind him being protective of the hens but he's attacking us out of nowhere, even when we're feeding them. I've heard that if roosters get too aggressive they should be killed and a new rooster brought in, is that recommended for this? I'm not sure if theres any way to make him go back to before or at least less aggressive.

I would appreciate any advice! Thanks in advance!

 

[Mya05]

Hi everyone!

So my family and I got a rooster about 2-3 months ago? We integrated him into the group of three hens that we had and everything was fine. He seemed to avoid us and was timid which we took to be simply because we didn't raise him like we did the hens who love to run up to us and say hello. Well recently he has started showing more signs of aggression.

At first we noticed that there is one hen in particular he has taken a liking to, she is a buff orpington (so golden feathers), and after a while her feathers by her neck and towards the tail end have been pulled out? Now the white feathers that are under the gold are exposed. We took this as him being too rough with her since our other hens do not look like that but we weren't sure if this was cause for concern.

A few days ago he would jump and hit my brother from behind. I was with him a few times and he wasn't bothering the hens or anything but when he turned his back to the rooster is would run up and just kick him from behind.

Today he was brave enough to kick me as well! I was closing the door to one of our hens new coop, as we keep her and her new chicks separated from the others, and he just came up out of nowhere and kicked me. I tried to shoo him away but he still kept trying to pick a fight.

So I guess my question is, what should I do? I don't mind him being protective of the hens but he's attacking us out of nowhere, even when we're feeding them. I've heard that if roosters get too aggressive they should be killed and a new rooster brought in, is that recommended for this? I'm not sure if theres any way to make him go back to before or at least less aggressive.

I would appreciate any advice! Thanks in advance!

I never turned my back on my roosters, I used to have two, now I have one. When one would look like he was sizing me up, I simply grabbed him, and 'pecked' him lightly on the head with two fingers. I would put him down, and lightly push him into a submissive squat. Sometimes, I would carry him under my arm, to take him down a peg in front of his ladies. Also, walk straight at him, like you will walk through him. Make him move, do not walk around him! Basically, be firm, not mean, and don't show fear. My roosters corrected themselves quickly. Now, the tone of my voice, and my pointing a finger, will stop any unwanted behavior. This includes when Omen was picking on a hen that used to only submit to our subordinate roo. A big thing for Omen was that we either scattered the treats, or gave them to him, so he could give them to the girls. Basically, we let him know that we had no interest in his girls, we were not a threat, BUT we were in charge, and not afraid of him. Side note: I was always firm, but not agressive. Roosters respond to agression with agression.

 

[Chickens_321]

I never turned my back on my roosters, I used to have two, now I have one. When one would look like he was sizing me up, I simply grabbed him, and 'pecked' him lightly on the head with two fingers. I would put him down, and lightly push him into a submissive squat. Sometimes, I would carry him under my arm, to take him down a peg in front of his ladies. Also, walk straight at him, like you will walk through him. Make him move, do not walk around him! Basically, be firm, not mean, and don't show fear. My roosters corrected themselves quickly. Now, the tone of my voice, and my pointing a finger, will stop any unwanted behavior. This includes when Omen was picking on a hen that used to only submit to our subordinate roo. A big thing for Omen was that we either scattered the treats, or gave them to him, so he could give them to the girls. Basically, we let him know that we had no interest in his girls, we were not a threat, BUT we were in charge, and not afraid of him. Side note: I was always firm, but not agressive. Roosters respond to agression with agression.

Thank you, I'll definitely try that!

 

[wamtazlady]

Some people have success in changing the attitude of aggressive roosters. I tried for a couple months. It did not help at all. I had grandchildren around and they were afraid to go out into the yard. The rooster had to go to freezer camp. I now have a rooster that is huge and quite frankly scary looking. He avoids me. I avoid him. He is really gentle with his flock of 4 hens. We have a great relationship. He is a keeper.

 

[HenneryTheEighth]

I have a rooster on which no amount of attitude adjustment techniques work. He is currently in an area with the bachelors while I get up the nerve to send him to freezer camp. I raised him from a chick. I don’t want his aggressive genetics being passed along.
However, I do this with a heavy heart.

 

[Chickens_321]

Some people have success in changing the attitude of aggressive roosters. I tried for a couple months. It did not help at all. I had grandchildren around and they were afraid to go out into the yard. The rooster had to go to freezer camp. I now have a rooster that is huge and quite frankly scary looking. He avoids me. I avoid him. He is really gentle with his flock of 4 hens. We have a great relationship. He is a keeper.

Yeah that's what we're thinking too. He's just too mean now and we're hoping to get one that won't bother us as long as we don't bother it. Thank you for the advice!

 

[Chickens_321]

I have a rooster on which no amount of attitude adjustment techniques work. He is currently in an area with the bachelors while I get up the nerve to send him to freezer camp. I raised him from a chick. I don’t want his aggressive genetics being passed along.
However, I do this with a heavy heart.

I can imagine it's hard. We raised out hens from chicks as well and so although this rooster doesn't hit too close to the heart to think of him hurting our hens is so sad.

Thank you for providing your experience!

 

[HenneryTheEighth]

I can imagine it's hard. We raised out hens from chicks as well and so although this rooster doesn't hit too close to the heart to think of him hurting our hens is so sad.

Thank you for providing your experience!

Yes, hurting the hens is no good. If mine ever hurt the hens, he would be long gone. But since he is such a good protector ….. that’s why he is still around.
I am a giant wuss.

 

[LaFleche]

Today he was brave enough to kick me as well! I was closing the door to one of our hens new coop, as we keep her and her new chicks separated from the others, and he just came up out of nowhere and kicked me. I tried to shoo him away but he still kept trying to pick a fight.

I would expect at least one of the new chicks to be male, so I see no reason to put up with an aggressive and abusive rooster.

Invite him to dinner

 

[Chickens_321]

I would expect at least one of the new chicks to be male, so I see no reason to put up with an aggressive and abusive rooster.

Invite him to dinner

We probably will be doing just that!