Do I get rid of my Rooster?

[Mikus]

I got a Cream legbar Roo 5 days ago, he's absolutely gorgeous, problem is he attacked me this morning when my back was turned, I've been doing everything to try and show him who's boss, i.e not feeding him by hand, standing between him and my hens and chasing him off, not allowing him to crow when I'm in his sight etc etc! He was hand raised by an 11yr old boy so I fear he was too spoilt, he is only 16weeks and so isn't even fully mature mating wise and he's already done that to me! My hens free range aswell so everywhere is 'his' territory (allegedly)! I don't mind him coming for me but I have kids aged 6 and 7 and it isn't fair on them to only let them out if I'm with them! I'm afraid of what you're all going to tell me as I think I know the answer! Really need some advice!

 

[theoldchick]

Since you have small children I would advise you to rehome the rooster. Yes, there are methods to train a rooster to respect you but a youngster like this will always want to be the top rooster, and will challenge anyone who threatens his place within the flock. Children included.

 

[drumstick diva]

I wonder if this is why the 11 year old boy - gave him up.

 

[drumstick diva]

Young children are especially at risk with rooster because they are closer to the ground than adults and less able to fend them off. There is never a good reason to keep a bad rooster.

 

[Mikus]

I wonder if this is why the 11 year old boy - gave him up.

No, he gave him up because they had another Roo and the 2 were fighting.

 

[BonDEEroo]

I agree, rehousing or euthanasia are the only options. It's a pity, they are beautiful creatures but can be vicious sneaky mongrels as well.

 

[Akrnaf2]

I agree, rehousing or euthanasia are the only options. It's a pity, they are beautiful creatures but can be vicious sneaky mongrels as well.

You always can eat it.
I never will risk my children. .....

 

[Mikus]

Since you have small children I would advise you to rehome the rooster. Yes, there are methods to train a rooster to respect you but a youngster like this will always want to be the top rooster, and will challenge anyone who threatens his place within the flock. Children included.

Do you have much experience with roosters? He didn't actually come at me with his claws, he got the back of my leg as he would when he's trying to mate with the girls, I also realise that this means that he thinks I'm below him in the pecking order but could he still come round with a firmer hand? Or is he a lost cause and too much of a risk?

 

[Akrnaf2]

You can try, but this kind of behavior will ALWAYS be a risk to a young child.
If you have children that enter the run, they can be severely injured.

 

[Mikus]

You can try, but this kind of behavior will ALWAYS be a risk to a young child.
If you have children that enter the run, they can be severely injured.

Yeah, problem is that he's not in a run, they free range round the back of my house and in a big field out the back so potentially he can come at anyone from anywhere. From what I've said do you think his behaviour was aggression or was he just treating me like one of his hens, he's not vicious or aggressive to them, he just tries to do what they do best and make babies haha....I've only had him 5 days so do you think I should get rid or hold out for another while? I really appreciate all this advice!