Bad Mr. Roo is pecking at me every day!

Well, You might need to show him who's boss. Carry something in there with you that you can whack him with. I use a rolled up magazine that I taped with duct tape so it stays rolled up. I've had a few roosters who have done that, and I just go right after them and whack them with the newspaper until they show they're backing down. It might take you a few times.....

Some never do learn though, and then they become soup!

 

Quote:X2. Show him that you're at the top of the pecking order and intend to stay there.

 

If the rolled-up magazine thing doesn't work out, there's always the traditional French method of dealing with a mean old rooster:

http://whatscookingamerica.net/Poultry/CoqAuVin.htm

 

If he bit me, I'd bite him back. In some chicken and dumplings or a shredded chicken taco.

 

There's hope!! While I haven't had much experience with roosters, I HAVE had one put the sneak on me and draw blood before I was saved by a Jack Russell. Roosters that haven't been taught manners are doomed - especially if children are part of the scene. I have it on good authority by a breeder in Central Oregon - who currently has over 15 WELL-mannered roosters - that they ARE teachable.

Her advice is to establish yourself as the alpha dog....er....mmmm....Head Rooster. The LAST thing you ever want to do is fight back or meet a rooster's aggression with your own - smacks, whacks, kicks - this only provokes more aggression - even if delayed to a later date.

Instead, you have to play a head-game: at the first inkling of a challenge (or signs of sneakiness), reach down and capture both legs in your hand. Flip the bird upside down and walk around with it for several minutes - doing your chores...or smelling the flowers. This is terribly undignified for Mr. Roo, blood rushing to his head and all, but he will eventually submit to your superiority. Lay him quietly on the ground and walk away. The smarter roosters don't have to get flipped very often before they quietly and respectfully accept the rank of Second-in-Command-When-Humans-Are-Present.

Hope that works for you!

 

Quote:I've done this... and it works. My Roo, Wilford Brimley, likes (tolerates) me but hates my fiance. He'll let me pick him up, and I make it a practice to tuck him under my arm and do a few chores. It's all about the dominance thing!!!

 

I have two roosters that at various stages in their lives decided to flog & spur me. A couple friends, who have had chickens for decades, suggested a spray bottle w/ water. If either of these roosters showed any sign of a possible challenge, they got numerous squirts in the face/ head. The younger (dumber) one I actually chased around the yard for about 5 minutes spraying. I carried & used the bottle 2 - 3 days while doing chores, haven't needed it in months. I can walk within inches of either roo now & they lower their heads & peck the ground (which I assume is a sign of submission). I do agree you need to establish your dominance; the only concern I have with grabbing them by the legs is that won't be easy while being assaulted & might subject you to a peck in the face.