Do roosters suddenly turn aggressive at a certain age?

[mike001]

I have a 5 week old barred rock rooster chick that likes me. My kids have named him Columbus because when we first got him he was always the first to check out new stuff (so he was an explorer). He always comes running when I show up (hoping for worms), he walks on my shoes, lets me pick him up and carry him around (I love to bring him into the house and anounce to the kids that we are having him for dinner hehe), etc. In other words, he likes me and isn't aggressive at all. His only flaws are that he is very greedy with his worms and bugs (just like all the female chicks only he is faster and stronger) and bullies my two week old silkie chicks when I put them in the run on warm days.

My question is...will some biological switch turn on one day at a certain age that can suddenly turn him mean and aggressive or is this how he will be his whole life?

 

[cva34]

I have a 5 week old barred rock rooster chick that likes me. My kids have named him Columbus because when we first got him he was always the first to check out new stuff (so he was an explorer). He always comes running when I show up (hoping for worms), he walks on my shoes, lets me pick him up and carry him around (I love to bring him into the house and anounce to the kids that we are having him for dinner hehe), etc. In other words, he likes me and isn't aggressive at all. His only flaws are that he is very greedy with his worms and bugs (just like all the female chicks only he is faster and stronger) and bullies my two week old silkie chicks when I put them in the run on warm days.

My question is...will some biological switch turn on one day at a certain age that can suddenly turn him mean and aggressive or is this how he will be his whole life?

Some seem to, but some are nice Guys all there life....cva34

 

[gg706]

I am curious about that also. My chicks are like 6 weeks old. When I go into the coop one runs to me and jumps up on my hand or arm and settles in to visit. I am SO worried it will turn out to be a rooster!

 

[mike001]

I am curious about that also. My chicks are like 6 weeks old. When I go into the coop one runs to me and jumps up on my hand or arm and settles in to visit. I am SO worried it will turn out to be a rooster!

I have a little pullet that does this. She also jumps on my shoulder if she can.

Why are you worried about having a rooster? Roosters can be a blast. I just hope mine stays the way he is.

 

[amillecay]

Well it really all depends I would start picking him up and handling him A LOT it always does help, mine went aggresive at aout 9 or 10 months very upsetting times for me. But you really never know till the day that it happens

 

[jak2002003]

Some will, but most will not.

A lot depends of the genetics. He may go through a showing off stage when his hormones kick in. I have many roosters and NON are aggressive at all to humans. In fact they are actually easier to pick up and handle than most of my hens as they are less afraid.

However, I have some 5 week old chicks and one of the young roos in there is going to be a problem I think. Even as a very young chick we will peck and bite my fingers when I try to pick him up. All the other ones just act normally. Its strange as he is the very smallest and lightest one, and he was sick and runty when first hatched (I thought he would die).

 

[gg706]

I am just worried he will turn aggressive to others besides me...I have small children so I cant keep one if he goes after them...I also wasn't planning on keeping ANY roo's...kindof an agreement I had with my husband when he gave me the ok to get chickens. So it might be a battle to keep him...one I am prepared to fight if necessary...but it sure would complicate things! I have never had a rooster before...everyone I know only has problems with theirs and wants to get rid of them...so no personal experience with them for me..... yet

 

[TonySorrento]

I LOVE my roosters ... love them ... I sure hope neither become unmanageable ...

 

[gg706]

Well it really all depends I would start picking him up and handling him A LOT it always does help, mine went aggresive at aout 9 or 10 months very upsetting times for me. But you really never know till the day that it happens

Did he grow back out of it or did he stay nasty?

 

[fried green eggs]

I think they are all individuals and time will tell. I have a little EE roo that is just four weeks old today and yesterday when I went into the chick pen - he came at me with his hackles up and acting all big, bad, protecting his girls - LOL I picked him up and petted him - right in front of all his girls. He hated it at first but, calmed down and finally relaxed. I'm Not thinking he is going to be a nice roo when he gets older.