Am I stepping on his toe or his last nerve?

[Tired old Rooster]

Personally - I would avoid hand feeding. It seems friendly, but it is more like boldness and can lead to bad behaviors. A lot of people want true pets that sit in your lap, and if so, this will do that.

But it can backfire with a cockerel. They become bolder and bolder and want your space, and you to move. They can become quite violent, but some don't.

Do not walk on egg shells, do not give them human emotions. Making him keep a distance of 5-6 feet is generally a good rule.

Mrs K

He is not the bold one. He keeps his distance. The two pullets are the brassy types.