Cockerel behavior

[Chickenberger]

I have a 19 week old RIR cockerel along with 11 pullets of the same age. So far his behavior as been fine. I'm able to handle him and he shows no signs of aggressive behavior. He is just starting to like the ladies, if you know what I mean.

My question is, will his behavior change and become aggressive. I'm concerned because I have three small children who love hanging amongst the flock when they are in the yard.

Also, I installed the next boxes just in time last week. We had our first egg this morning.

 

[Judy]

Sorry, but there's no way to answer your question for sure. It's too individual a thing.

However -- since he's already got enough hormones going on to mate, your chances of his staying nice improve every day!

Just keep an eye out, and let him know you and the kids are above him in the pecking order. Chase him or wave your arms at him if he does the circling dance to you. I also "kick" (gently!) my roos off the hens if they try to mate right in front of me. Might have trouble explaining that to the kids, though.

Sometimes the ones we can handle when young see this as meaning they are the head roo when they mature -- and sometimes they stay nice and remain pets.

Good luck!

 

[scooter147]

I agree with ddawn.
He needs to understand that you and the kids are the alph roo.
Pick him up carry him around, have the kids do the same thing. This shows him you are too strong and not to even think about challanging you.
The knocking him off of hens is a great idea.
Any rooster I plan on keeping I always pick up and hold from the moment I can tell it is a roo, I've only have had one rooster that had to go to freezer camp because he was determined to replace me as head roo.

 

[gritsar]

I agree with dawn.