I also was attacked by my parents rooster as a child...he would chase me EVERYTIME I went outside. As an adultI decided to get some chickens. I got my chicks last year and was very concerned when I figured out I had 2 roosters in the chicks I was planning on keeping. I debated alot about wether to keep one of them or let them both go to the farm who was taking the chickens I decided not to keep. I decided to keep one and chose the one I liked the best. He is a VERY good rooster! He is friendly and respectful, takes very good care of the hens and takes his job of predator watch seriously. He has become my favorite and I am so glad I decided to give him a chance! I have read ALOT of stories of nasty roosters...it has been implied that temperment seems to come from genetics so if you decide to keep a roo get one from a line that produces calm, friendly roosters. Beware of ads of craigslist, some people will sell a nasty rooster to someone and not tell of his behavior. Ask alot of questions!
When I was about 4 and a half years old, I was out in my dad's barn. He had about 4 roosters, and 20 hens. He also had some chicks that I loved to go out and watch. One day while I was watching those chicks, one of my dad's roosters ran up behind me and started attacking my legs. I started screaming at the top of my lungs. My dad ran out with his .22 because he knew something was wrong, and he told me to go to the house so he could take care of the rooster. That rooster gave me several large bruises, and even drew some blood along my ankles from his spurs. This happened about 10 years ago. I was absolutely terrified of roosters from that day, until about a year ago. I was scared that all roosters were like that, and that they were always just waiting for the perfect moment to attack. After my parents got me my own flock of chickens, I learned that not all roosters are like that. I have two roosters who are 8 months, and 18 months old, and they have never attacked me in their lives.
