Bob Blosl's Heritage Large Fowl Thread

[Lacy Blues]

I don't have any issues with temperament in my flock. It wasn't always that way. One rooster I had tried to come through the wire at me every time I walked by. Feeding him was a challenge and he is no longer here.

There is only one bird that I have right now whom I have to watch. I don't worry about him at all unless I need to pick him up to check for mites, etc. Usually, when I need to pick him up, he'll square up with me so I first have to "scare" him a little. I have a short hoe, about 18" long and all I need do is show him the handle of the thing and he'll change his stance. Then he is ok to pick up.

I believe most roosters can be read, if you're close to them. Just look at their eyes and their body language and that should tell you all you need to know.

Some people's roosters see them coming or leaving and go after them. If I had one like that, I'd definitely put him in a pot! I don't breed roosters with bad manners and if I'm not going to breed him then I don't need him in any other situation. I have more than enough to fill his vacant spot who are respectful and keep their distance.

The only time I've ever been bitten by a hen is when I'm checking the eggs under a broody!

 

[NYREDS]

Chickens should be bred for temperament as well. Mean roosters will produce mean roosters. Most people don't know that.

Walt

Absolutely true. I had a Red Bantam male a few years ago that was nasty. His saving grace was the several trips to Champion Row he made. When I was away & my wife did chores for me he got cracked corn thrown through the wire, she wouldn't open his pen door. Every cockerel I kept out of him was the same way. I know many people select for temperment but I never have. I'm a 200 pound man with a black belt-never felt threatened by a chicken.

 

[catdaddyfro]

Absolutely true. I had a Red Bantam male a few years ago that was nasty. His saving grace was the several trips to Champion Row he made. When I was away & my wife did chores for me he got cracked corn thrown through the wire, she wouldn't open his pen door. Every cockerel I kept out of him was the same way. I know many people select for temperment but I never have. I'm a 200 pound man with a black belt-never felt threatened by a chicken.

LOL I hear ya there, I hurt myself almost daily(knucklebuster/mechanincking) than I could/would ever get damaged from a measly little ol chicken + I make it a point to let them know I'm the BAD@SS when I come in esp me being the one with the feed bucket!

Jeff

 

[Arielle]

FUnny JEf and red should mention their size and own demeanor--my husband has no problem with Raptor. Not one attack. My kids and I have had multiple attacks. My kids know how to avoid provoking him and how to put him in his place-- it is hard for a little kid to stand up to a rooster but they do it and have gained inner strength by being brave when scared and asking brother to assist. Improves their relationship to depend on each other.

 

[ashandvine]

Chickens should be bred for temperament as well. Mean roosters will produce mean roosters. Most people don't know that.

Walt

I can't believe you just said that.

I have been postulating this for a little while here and there but no one has out and out confirmed this. Has anyone noticed that the hens from these meanies are also mean? We have had a rooster who is two and a half and just started sneaking a little kick in here and there when we leave the coop. We all put him in his place, 'pecking' on him and giving a good chase for a minute when he's like this. It seems to have helped. Some folks put their cock away before dealing with the hens but when it comes to feeding time I don't bother. I expect him to know who the bosses are, which includes the kids. I often think that a cocks job is to be defensive of the group. I worry that if I pick the 'nice' ones they won't step in. This one here didn't seem to step up when a hawk came calling but the momma hen sure did!! She was the meanest chicken I ever saw while he stood around asking, "what just happened?" I have also read that some breeds are more likely to be aggressive (games being one of course) than others (wyandottes as an example).

 

[Lacy Blues]

We used to have some sex-links, Black Stars, and the rooster we kept was the nicest, sweetest rooster ever. He took on hawks on two different occasions and then finally met his match in a bobcat. He saved every one of his girls though. It was a very sad day. However, the bob cat did not get to eat him. We heard the rucus and came to investigate. The bobcat had to drop him in order to get up a tree to try and get away. Sent the daughter running for dad and his shot gun. That cat never ate another thing. Beautiful coat as it was winter time! Maybe some day I'll actually get it tanned!

 

[galanie]

I just can't see being aggressive to predators having a ton to do with being aggressive to people. I suppose it can but the ones of mine,(especially the dark cornish) that will readily run at a dove/squirrel/hawk are complete pussycats around people. Not the huggy kind, but easy to handle when I must.

 

[thedragonlady]

Quote:
Amen again! I've culled 3 young Ks this year, because despite my TLC, they tried to eat my arm every time I picked them up. Something I won't tolerate. "I'm the Mother, you're the chicken."

 

[Hangtown Farms]

Hi everyone. Just found this thread

I am Jason from Norcal

I am into Penedesenca and Empordanesa mostly

 

[Hangtown Farms]

Chickens should be bred for temperament as well. Mean roosters will produce mean roosters. Most people don't know that.

Walt

so true. I only keep the nice ones