Thank you. Yes, I've read at least a dozen of these articles about training roosters. I don't back off or let him in my space, and if/when he challenges me, I challenge right back - like an alpha roo would. I tried the mean approach at first, over dominating him and catching him unawares, but it seemed to make him meaner - to me AND to his girls. The one time he nipped my foot was because I invaded his space; he wasn't coming after me - I believe he was defending his personal space.
The warnings about giving treats I think depends on HOW you do it. My roo hasn't seen an older roo in action so he's learning everything on his own or from me. I'd rather teach him to be kind to his girls; I offer them food before him. Alphas can be kind to their flock, so I don't see a problem with offering treats when he behaves properly. I don't need a lap pet (although that would be nice) but I do need to be able to work in the coop, to feed the flock, and to handle the birds and check them over for health problems periodically.
Here is a great BYC article about taming roos - The Definite Guide to Roosters.
I like your style!
I remember as a kid the rougher I played with our cat the rougher and “mean” he got with me.
I have 4 cockerels right now. Three months old.
I had a year old bantam roo but I gave him to a friend a couple of days ago.
I don’t know if they learned anything from him (I hope so because he’s always giving the girls food and never once been human aggressive).
I’m not tolerant of any actual aggression from any animal.
They will learn that attacking the humans (or dog) will get them nowhere and if they can’t learn that they will go in the freezer or to someone willing to work with that level of aggression (or stupidity
).
My boys like to sit on my lap occasionally.
I let them.
The reason I let them is because they come up politely and look at me first like they’re asking permission.
Sometimes I say no by holding up a hand and moving them away.
They’re very responsive so far.
I had all three on my lap the other evening lol! They barely fit.
They have never tried to peck me or anything for a long time.
One would peck my hand as a chick as soon as I put it in the brooder.
I would immediately push him back several feet.
After being bowled over a few times he learned nothing good came of pecking and stopped doing it.
My small dog also has permission from me to defend himself if they peck him.
He will snarl and chase them for a few steps and stop.
They run away.
He is not allowed anything more than that and he knows it.
The chickens have only done that a couple of times.
I’m constantly amazed by how many people who put up with aggressive behavior and bites, scratching and such from animals but think defending themselves is being “mean”.
A lot of animals will try to dominate you if you allow it.
It’s not mean to teach them that doesn’t work lol.
