Can a Rooster pout and sulk?

[Ellie]

I read on that site to be the head rooster. He is now old enough to mate and the site says to knock him off if he tries in front of me. I saw him yesterday and went toward him, waving whatever I had in my hand, and told him firmly "no". He did not like that and made noises back at me. I have never spoken in a harsh tone before. That evening as I tucked them all into bed, I offered him a piece of bread. He would not touch it. Mind you, this boy takes bread out of the hens beaks! So, I figure he is pouting. I held him as I always do, anyway.

Tonight after work, I find that he and 3 hens are not in the coop, not figuring out the fencing (not their fault). I take the hens in one by one and they are fine. He gets so flustered that he flies up and over some fencing getting stuck. I cut the wire and had to corner him to catch him. I took him in my arms and talked softly to him as I got him out and into the coop. I offer a few bites of scratch in the evening in a little bowl when I get home but he wouldn't touch it.

I am re-thinking this advice about being the alpha rooster. He has done nothing wrong, but I do love him and have respected him. I feel bad about going toward him and telling him "no" to something that is very natural to him.

What do y'all think?

Ellie

 

[Charlie Chicken]

Why not just let him be a rooster and let him act, think and behave like he is programed to do? Treating roosters with kindness and understanding as you have done will usually get you a lot further than attempting to alter their behavior.

When us humans expect an animal with a brain the size of a pea to act as we think they should (like being able to figure out which side of the fence they are on) or attempt to modify their behavior (when to them their only function in life is to eat, sleep, mate & protect their flock) it usually doesn't work out very well.

 

[Wildsky]

Quote:
Problem is their natural rooster behaviour is to RULE. When a human comes into the mix, the rooster wants to FIGHT to keep his control, you'll try pick up a hen, the rooster's natural behaviour is to protect his hen and he WILL attack!

If you let it get out of control and GIVE the control to the rooster - you lose and he WILL chase you around and treat you like a subordinate or lower ranking rooster.

 

[lurky]

I agree with charlie. I think if you had an aggressive boy and he was challenging you, that might be a way of showing him you are higher in the pecking order or on the food chain or something

But if he is a nice sweet boy.......just enjoy. I have a sweet boy too and i chose to let it be when he flirts in front of me. I have not had to regret it. So I hope you are able to get your friendship back. Bring him a special treat that he cant snub..........like oatmeal or scrambled eggs. He'll get over it

 

[silkiechicken]

It depends on the rooster. I find some are mean as all get out and some never need to be disciplined, while some stubborns can only be disciplined with the soup pot.. He may not be taking food right away because he is finally learning that his job is to let the hens have everything. I say let him be and IF he shows aggression to you, then act.

 

[Ellie]

Sounds like y'all agree with my feelings so far. I don't think any harm is done, with only a one time human arm flinging at him. He is a Buff Orpington because I thought that would be the most gentle breed for a rooster. He is not sweet but not mean. He keeps his distance from me but will eat out of my hand. I believe we have a mutual respect.

I have never raised my voice and now feel so guilty. I think I will treat him as I have always done and hope he will forgive the one time.

I thought the advice was good and may well be, but my instincts are to treat him well but be firm if he tries anything. I do pick up the hens in front of him and he seems fine knowing I will not hurt them or him.

I really appreciate this forum and credit it with my "perfect, spoiled, chickens" !!!

Ellie