Cockerel slightly aggressive/ hormonal?

[ForTheLoveOfSilkies]

A month ago my cockerel (6m 3w) pecked me just above my tall boot hard enough to make me bleed/bruise (like he knew it wouldn't hurt if he pecked me on my boot!?) I pecked him with my hand and pushed him back a little with my boot. He has done this twice more since (today was last time) but I was more aware so he didn't get me good to bleed/bruise again.
It always has happens when I'm giving treats and only if Rooster is not nearby.

Is this a sign he will be an aggressive boy? Or just a bit of cockerel over excited hormones that should calm down? Anything I can do to stop this behaviour, I really love his colours and want to use him for breeding.

He has always been very friendly since a chick and always hangs around me when I'm at the coop.

He is in a coop and large open yard, more then plenty of space, with a rooster and 9 pullets/hens. Rooster allows cockerel to mate the pullets but chases him away from his hens.

The other boys I have kept in the past never have pecked me before so I was a little shocked when this boy did, he is my favourite too.

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

It may be that he thinks you're trying to steal his harem. Try giving treats to him first and see if that changes things.

 

[ForTheLoveOfSilkies]

It may be that he thinks you're trying to steal his harem. Try giving treats to him first and see if that changes things.

I have done that today actually and he got me on my leg. I didn't give him more treats after that.

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

Hmmm...have you been picking up the pullets a lot in front of him? Did you used to pick him up a lot but have stopped doing so? Has he done anything else aggressive, like charging at you, or making that rooster 'growl' while circling around you? Pecking is bothersome, especially if it draws blood, but I don't think I'd peck him back. In my experience that only makes things worse, as it confirms to the cockerel/rooster that he has reason not to like you. It might take a while of assuaging his ego...you might try bringing the treats to him, and just giving them all to him after he takes a bite or two IF he tid bits for his pullets. So basically if he's occupying his role properly and calling the ladies over to have their pick of the goods you can try that...otherwise maybe see if putting him up before you treat everyone else stops the behavior.

 

[ForTheLoveOfSilkies]

Hmmm...have you been picking up the pullets a lot in front of him? Did you used to pick him up a lot but have stopped doing so? Has he done anything else aggressive, like charging at you, or making that rooster 'growl' while circling around you? Pecking is bothersome, especially if it draws blood, but I don't think I'd peck him back. In my experience that only makes things worse, as it confirms to the cockerel/rooster that he has reason not to like you. It might take a while of assuaging his ego...you might try bringing the treats to him, and just giving them all to him after he takes a bite or two IF he tid bits for his pullets. So basically if he's occupying his role properly and calling the ladies over to have their pick of the goods you can try that...otherwise maybe see if putting him up before you treat everyone else stops the behavior.

I don't often pick up pullets in front of him and I didn't often pick him up as a chick as they are all broody hen raised and since knowing he was a boy I haven't picked him up at all.
He hasn't done anything else aggressive.
He does tid bit for pullets.

I often hand treats to rooster first then hand feed cockerel second.

I will give all cockerels treats to him in one lot rather then to hold back... Maybe he sees more in my hand, I give some to my other coop of chickens after him.

 

[TheAlrightyGina]

I hope it works out! Having a mean cockerel/roo is such a pain, especially when they're gorgeous.

 

[ForTheLoveOfSilkies]

I hope it works out! Having a mean cockerel/roo is such a pain, especially when they're gorgeous.

Thanks!
Hopefully it does work out, my good old rooster will be replaced by this cockerel (that's the current plan anyway)