Bresse Chickens

[chrissyr]

Ok, I really love how pretty this boy is. BUT, I'm getting the feeling he's checking out which one of us is boss. I think I need to handle him even more and carry him around to show him. Don't want to have to get rid of him.

 

[chiqita]

Ok, I really love how pretty this boy is. BUT, I'm getting the feeling he's checking out which one of us is boss. I think I need to handle him even more and carry him around to show him. Don't want to have to get rid of him.

Can you put him where he will get schooled by one of your marans roosters? We carry clovis in the garage ever night cause he wakes me up. He likes to complain about it but it does respect me and mario.

 

[chrissyr]

Can you put him where he will get schooled by one of your marans roosters? We carry clovis in the garage ever night cause he wakes me up. He likes to complain about it but it does respect me and mario.

that is a great idea. I think I will do that. at least before he gets too big and tried to school the marans rooster. Thank you

 

[chiqita]

that is a great idea. I think I will do that. at least before he gets too big and tried to school the marans rooster. Thank you

I feel like a mean girl now!

 

[chrissyr]

I feel like a mean girl now!

That worked really well!
I thought my Bresse boy would challenge, he took one look and ran away.
They'd been sparring through the fence so my Marans was a bit ticked at him. 2 chases, no contact and the Bresse has learned we're boss!!

 

[chiqita]

That worked really well!
I thought my Bresse boy would challenge, he took one look and ran away.
They'd been sparring through the fence so my Marans was a bit ticked at him. 2 chases, no contact and the Bresse has learned we're boss!!

I need to get a picture of my blue showgirl chasing Ron's new boy around. He even sleeps on him on occation. That breese is ready for his own wimmenZ!!

 

[DCchicken]

Ok, I really love how pretty this boy is. BUT, I'm getting the feeling he's checking out which one of us is boss. I think I need to handle him even more and carry him around to show him. Don't want to have to get rid of him.

If he is starting to be aggressive, you need to cull him. It will only get worse. Don't pick him up as that will make it worse. I just went through this with 3 different Bresse roosters. My sister also tried that with her Bresse rooster and guess what? He got worse. I have one that bites me when I reach into the nest box from the outside. He will be processed on Tuesday. The other ones I will continue using my "rooster stick".

Bresse roosters are very protective of their flock. They are not pets. This protective nature is great against predators. But it was not so great when my nephew was on FaceTime showing me his pet Bresse rooster and the rooster attacked him.

I will no longer sell Bresse roosters to people with kids.

 

[BCMaraniac]

If he is starting to be aggressive, you need to cull him. It will only get worse. Don't pick him up as that will make it worse. I just went through this with 3 different Bresse roosters. My sister also tried that with her Bresse rooster and guess what? He got worse. I have one that bites me when I reach into the nest box from the outside. He will be processed on Tuesday. The other ones I will continue using my "rooster stick".

Bresse roosters are very protective of their flock. They are not pets. This protective nature is great against predators. But it was not so great when my nephew was on FaceTime showing me his pet Bresse rooster and the rooster attacked him.

I will no longer sell Bresse roosters to people with kids.

Thanks for this information. I have my Bresse roosters in the breeding pens with hens. Some time ago, I went into the pen and one of the roosters came aggressively toward me. I had a bucket in one hand and a feed scoop in the other. Reflexively I took the scoop and thunked him in mid-air, and it knocked him backwards into a solid oak wall(the pen is a repurposed horse stall. He did the same thing to my husband, who literally kicked him mid-air and knocked him backward as well. Now, I just walk in with my stall rake and he gives me a wide berth, albeit grudgingly. I don't want to cull him without a replacement, as I am currently incubating my first eggs.

Do you think his behavior justifies culling, or should I wait and see, especially since his aggression is in the breeding pen? Thanks for your input.

 

[chiqita]

If he is starting to be aggressive, you need to cull him.  It will only get worse.  Don't pick him up as that will make it worse.  I just went through this with 3 different Bresse roosters.  My sister also tried that with her Bresse rooster and guess what?  He got worse.  I have one that bites me when I reach into the nest box from the outside.  He will be processed on Tuesday.  The other ones I will continue using my "rooster stick".

Bresse roosters are very protective of their flock.  They are not pets.  This protective nature is great against predators.  But it was not so great when my nephew was on FaceTime showing me his pet Bresse rooster and the rooster attacked him.

I will no longer sell Bresse roosters to people with kids.

This has not been my experiance. Clovis is protective but not agressive to people. Mind you he does not think he is the biggest rooster on the property. My guinea is the king of the roost and he keeps everyone in line.

 

[DCchicken]

Thanks for this information. I have my Bresse roosters in the breeding pens with hens. Some time ago, I went into the pen and one of the roosters came aggressively toward me. I had a bucket in one hand and a feed scoop in the other. Reflexively I took the scoop and thunked him in mid-air, and it knocked him backwards into a solid oak wall(the pen is a repurposed horse stall. He did the same thing to my husband, who literally kicked him mid-air and knocked him backward as well. Now, I just walk in with my stall rake and he gives me a wide berth, albeit grudgingly. I don't want to cull him without a replacement, as I am currently incubating my first eggs.

Do you think his behavior justifies culling, or should I wait and see, especially since his aggression is in the breeding pen? Thanks for your input.

Mine range in a open field surrounded by a fence (soon to be electric). The roosters do the same behavior whether in the coop or in the field. They are very protective of the flock.

My sister's flock is kept in a backyard sized pen and they do the same. Interestingly enough both of our flocks were purchased separately. Her Bresse did not come from my stock as she wanted to get a start before mine were laying age.

I can't stress enough that they are just being protective. But if you feel threatened, cull that rooster as he will get more assertive of his protection of the flock.

Instead of using your foot, what you need is a rooster stick. Look for a long branch with a "V" shape at the end (or make one if you have to. The "V" should be large enough to just place the rooster's chest inside of it. You can then push the rooster back without harming him. Don't go too small with the "V" or you might hurt him. The goal is to simulate a chest bump.