Do I want this rooster? Update: He killed a hen Update: Sunday

[rancher hicks]

If you decide to keep him He may become used to you but never let you hand feed him. Only time will tell. Clearly he has a strong constitution and this is something you want in your birds. He is pretty and must be looking for a job protecting your flock. Rome wasn't built in a day so you have to make a list of what your expectations are to having a rooster. Eventually the girls will get used to having him around and he will go in with the girls. If you have children see how he behaves around them or you after a time. If things get rough you can always rehome him. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

If you don't decide to keep him call a friend who can help catch him.

 

[fzouk]

I don't have much to add in the way of being helpful but my gosh he's gorgeous!!

 

[americana-chick]

I would say keep him. HE is abeautiful roo and your hens will most likely get use to him. (He looks like some sort of game rooster?)

 

[DDRanch]

Saturday evening update:

He left again just before dark, like last night. He Spent the entire day outside of the girls pen. If he comes back tomorrow am, I am thinking I will let the girls out for a meet and greet. How should I do this? What should I watch out for? Is this a good idea? I think I remember reading that you should not let a rooster mate while you are around because he gets the idea he is the flock leader and not you. Is this accurate? I have not ever had a rooster so I am pretty naive here. Thank you for your encouragement and guidance.

Anne

 

[bibliophile birds]

you'll want to especially watch/listen for him talking to the girls: he should be informing them he's found food (you may want to put out a few treats) and keeping a watchful eye out for what's going on around them. he may sing and dance for them a little and try to mate. if he does try to mate, watch how he is with the hen: does he peck her head aggressively (some head pecking is normal) or basically look like he's stomping her? chicken mating is pretty rough, but you'll probably know when it's TOO rough.

mine mate in front of me all the time and i don't have any problems letting them know i'm top boss. if it ever comes down to it, the best thing i can suggest is to meet a challenge with feet firmly planted, a very authoritative "Don't even think about it Mr, or your name is Dumplings," and, if it comes down to it, grab him by the feet and hold him upside down for a few seconds (just until he stops wiggling). once he's stopped wiggling, flip him back over and carry him around for a few minutes with his wings securely penned between your body and your arm. in any reasonable rooster, this will send a VERY clear sign that you aren't to be messed with. my Brahma roo, Ernest, was about 2 challenges shy of meeting the freezer, but this straightened him out nicely. now i can pick him up and do whatever i want to him. this morning, he chest bumped the feed bucket- which bumped him back just enough to remind him he isn't boss- and then came over and hopped up on my knee for a snuggle.

good luck! let us know how it goes.

 

[XHippieChickX]

Well, to me, I think he's a gorgeous boy. But it looks like he may not have had many peeps to socialize with...

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

He might need a lesson on dominance, but do NOT antagonize him. Don't go looking for a fight or else give off the wrong message; that you want a challenge. Only if challanged first do you proceed to getting physical. I'd be very careful about holding him upside down though. If done the wrong way, you could cause major damage. Remember: fighting comes naturally to a rooster. Instinct directs every choice he makes, and not having much practice with people could justify some bad behavior. Although it isn't right, it is what it is. You cannot change a rooster's way of thinking; but modify it. Let him know you aren't there to be his enemy, but also not his friend. I don't think you should have cause to worry about him mating in front of you. Trust me, he could do alot more damage. Mostly to you. That's when I'd worry.

 

[JetBlack]

Is he nice to your girls? Does he have a good job? Where did he go to school? Any tattoos?

If you really like him and want him to hang around, forbid your hens to see him. Be adamant! "You will NOT BE SEEING THAT BOY!"

They'll all be pregnant by Wednesday.

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

First response I thought of when I saw the title, too.

 

[DTchickens]

Pretty American gamefowl. He'll make a good rooster if you keep him, but he will be a little wild at first since he is feral. With some handling though he should gentle down very quickly, and if he does become aggressive towards you do not show aggression back.. Pick him up and handle him some, with games I've found aggressive nature only prolongs it. When you're gentle, they start trusting you and are usually pretty calm.

-Daniel