Cockerel Keeps Attacking Me!

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BaaKaaawk said:
It is inevitable that all cockerels will at some point challenge you (and your family) to understand where he stands in the flock (because if you are in there a lot, they start to think of you as part of the flock). OR if they don't think of you as part of the flock, then they see you as a threat they have to get rid of.
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I respectfully disagree. Not ALL cockerels will attack or challenge. Mine used to, but I haven't had a problem cockerel in years. Not since I started raising them with a hands-off approach. As soon as I recognize a cockerel, I quit handling except for necessities. I let them know that I am the boss. I walk through them. I move them away from food and water, I walk after them and make them move. I back them up. If one decides to come my way, I go right toward him. If a cockerel is between me and where I want to go, I just walk and make him get out of my way.

I did have one cockerel (I wish he would have lived longer, but died defending his flock) that would look at me sideways every now and then. I'd just walk toward him until he moved away. One day, I was using my foot to gently scoot a pullet into the run. He heard her squawk, came running and saw me. He stopped, looked at me, and walked away. He knew.

OP, I don't know if this approach will help you with your cockerel at this point or not. You (and your parents if you are minor, living in their home) are the only one who can determine how much you'll put up with out of this cockerel. He may or may not become more well behaved. I doubt it, but it could happen. If he free ranges, you need to prepare yourself for the fact that you may have to get rid of him if he attacks a guest to your home. That's a liability. Spurs can cause puncture wounds, and a puncture wound full of dirt and manure can develop a pretty nasty infection. The Dr. bills could be costly.
 
So "good" cockerels never show any human aggression? Mine gets a little ruffled in the mornings when I let him out of the coop. He pecked my boot once a week or so ago. A minute or so out of the coop, he calms down. So does this mean he will be a "bad" rooster? He is about 3.5 months. He's a bantam. I don't know that that makes a difference.

OP - I hope it works out. I am still trying the "wait and see" method with my tiny little guy. I don't show him any fear, which I've read is a good approach. I held him down that one time he pecked my boot because I just needed him to calm down. But he has puffed up a couple (maybe three?) times since then. I guess we'll see... I do wish you luck. Getting advice on BYC can be hard - a million different opinions, judgment, sarcasm, dismissive to opposing viewpoints, and so on. It has been for me at times. Do keep us posted.
 

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