Cockerel attacked my foot!

[Mrs J]

I have a young cockerel that actually attacked my foot today! No warning, nothing. I had to separate him from another cockerel because he was quite feisty, the other cockerel wouldn’t back down and he ended up running away. Do you think that has made him nervous? Or do you think aggressiveness is part of his make up? My uncle advised me to cull I’m not quite sure I want to give up on him so quick..

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Probably part of his make up. I haven't had an attack in years but when I did, I gave them a second chance. Second human aggressive attack by the same rooster was his last.
They tasted just like chicken.

 

[Mrs J]

Probably part of his make up. I haven't had an attack in years but when I did, I gave them a second chance. Second human aggressive attack by the same rooster was his last.
They tasted just like chicken.

He actually drew blood, so I was quite apprehensive about going back in to fill his food up. I decided to bite the bullet and just do it, while I was in there, he was picking up his food, but spitting it back out again, all the while clocking me, getting closer..does this mean he is just waiting to get me again?

 

[JaeG]

Cockerels can be crazy from the hormones. We have a boy who I wouldn't have trusted when he was younger around the kids and he bit me really hard on my arm when I picked him up as a young thing, but he's 10 months old now and has calmed down a lot. He was confined to a smaller coop and run but now I can let him out to free range no problems and he's fine with the kids. We can pick him up when we need to and even give him a beard tickle. He's turned into a very funny character.

If you really like this cockerel then I would confine him to a smaller cage with the other cockerel for company and see what he's like once he's a bit older. You need to feel safe and be able to enjoy your chickens and you can't do that if you are constantly having to watch this cockerel.

 

[Mrs J]

Cockerels can be crazy from the hormones. We have a boy who I wouldn't have trusted when he was younger around the kids and he bit me really hard on my arm when I picked him up as a young thing, but he's 10 months old now and has calmed down a lot. He was confined to a smaller coop and run but now I can let him out to free range no problems and he's fine with the kids. We can pick him up when we need to and even give him a beard tickle. He's turned into a very funny character.

If you really like this cockerel then I would confine him to a smaller cage with the other cockerel for company and see what he's like once he's a bit older. You need to feel safe and be able to enjoy your chickens and you can't do that if you are constantly having to watch this cockerel.

We have only ever had rescue hens, then someone in our village had to rehome 2 polish bantam hens. Soft Sal here took them on, and completely fell in love with them. I bought a brinsea and decided to hatch my own polish bantams. This is my first time ever dealing with cockerels. The other cockerel is really respectful, he’s not loving by any means, but he knows when I’m in there and keeps his distance, this one…well, and this is my predicament, do I give him a chance..my uncle has said, if I won’t cull, give him a kick up the backside, let him know who’s boss Does that really work?

 

[allenw]

Had one come at me this spring, poor timing on his part since I needed to thin some out.

 

[Sally PB]

My cockerel, now rooster, has had some... issues... with recognizing that I am the boss. I take a big stick into the run with me. (Like a broom handle.) It lengthens my reach, so I can push him out of the way if he "forgets" who's in charge. This has worked better than anything else I've tried.

Lately, he has been very good. I don't know if he's mellowed out a bit, or learned that I run the place, or what. For a while this spring, I was ready to cull him. We aren't buds, I don't pick him up, but he has a job to do, and I have a job to do.

 

[Mrs J]

My cockerel, now rooster, has had some... issues... with recognizing that I am the boss. I take a big stick into the run with me. (Like a broom handle.) It lengthens my reach, so I can push him out of the way if he "forgets" who's in charge. This has worked better than anything else I've tried.

Lately, he has been very good. I don't know if he's mellowed out a bit, or learned that I run the place, or what. For a while this spring, I was ready to cull him. We aren't buds, I don't pick him up, but he has a job to do, and I have a job to do.

Maybe I could give that a try before anything drastic needs to be done, thank you for your advice!

 

[Mrs J]

Cockerels can be crazy from the hormones. We have a boy who I wouldn't have trusted when he was younger around the kids and he bit me really hard on my arm when I picked him up as a young thing, but he's 10 months old now and has calmed down a lot. He was confined to a smaller coop and run but now I can let him out to free range no problems and he's fine with the kids. We can pick him up when we need to and even give him a beard tickle. He's turned into a very funny character.

If you really like this cockerel then I would confine him to a smaller cage with the other cockerel for company and see what he's like once he's a bit older. You need to feel safe and be able to enjoy your chickens and you can't do that if you are constantly having to watch this cockerel.

I have segregated him, he was quite nasty to the girls, maybe I will come up with a plan tomorrow I will sleep on it tonight thank you to everyone for all of your advice, na nite xx

 

[JaeG]

I have segregated him, he was quite nasty to the girls, maybe I will come up with a plan tomorrow I will sleep on it tonight thank you to everyone for all of your advice, na nite xx

Cockerels can be horrid, especially to pullets. Older hens don't let them get away with bad behaviour but young ones just put up with the abuse. I'd give him a chance to mature and see how he is then if you'd like to keep him around.

Do let us know how you get on.