Are Bantam Cochin Roosters safe to have around a 3 year old?

[jossanne]

I don't know what breed of rooster my sister's friend has, all everyone tells me is he's some fancy bantam. She had him and a hen or two to go with them, as pets. The birds were very friendly, were handled a lot, and were willing to be picked up and packed around, even by the 18mo daughter.

This month, the little girl went in the back yard where the chickens were to play while her mom stayed in the house working. She thought she heard the little girl crying, and didn't see anything when she checked. Again she heard it, and went outside, and the rooster had the little girl down on the ground, spurring her head, face and eyes.

She didn't require any stitches, but was cut up all around her eyes, on her scalp, and her forehead. She even had scratches on her eyeballs, but not anywhere that left permanent vision damage.

This was a pet rooster that the family loved dearly. It happened out of the blue, and the little girl is too small to explain what happened. Even if you think your birds are gentle, you can't let your guard down. They're still animals, and can be unpredictable.

 

[Kanchii]

it depends on the rooster but most bantam cochins are total sweet hearts, like mine was. He was so laid back and didn't care about anything, loved him.

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

I have a Bantam barred cochin rooster. He is the sweetest thing. I had a very nasty little bantam, who would give anything to attack you (not anymore, a raccoon got him

), but, when the bantam would try to attack me, the cochin would run over, chase him away, and stand right there next to me. They are a great breed with children.

 

[the1much]

NO roo is safe with a 3 year old,, unless YOU are there, and in control of both child and roo. and remember once the child picks up a hen, and it screams help,, the roo will help her.
that said ,, my kids pet all 3 of my rir roo's, my br roo,my leghorn roo, and a few more roo's,, BUT EVERY,,did i stress EVERY time they pet them, the roo is in MY arms.

 

[kelliepulido]

I have 2 6m old bantam cochin roos one Eddie is very nice and lets me pick him up etc.the other one is black and red and is stand offish.One day I was picking up a couple of the ladies and he came right up and hackled up and flew with his feet up trying for my face.I chased him around but can never catch him.

 

[Msbear]

My bantam cochin roo is on high alert whenever he sees my 2 yr old. He's smart and he knows to RUN!!!!!!

 

[NYREDS]

Some are, some aren't.