Easter Egger/Aracauna Rooster Temperment

[chickenlizzy]

So I got 10 baby chicks about 4 weeks ago. We got 2 Plymoth Barred Rocks, 2 New Hampshire Reds, 2 mystery birds (supposed to by wyandottes, but they aren't), and 4 Aracaunas. 1 of the Aracaunas has the distinguishing puffy cheeks that I hear they are supposed to have the others don't so i'm assuming they are Easter Eggers since the breeds get confused with each other. Here's my question. I'm about 95% sure one of the Easter Eggers is a Roo. It has a Red Comb already, and waddles showing up way more than anyone else. We were sure we weren't going to keep a Roo since I have small kids but he is such a pretty bird that I want to wait it out and see what his temperment is like. What is your experience with Easter Egger Roos? Do I have a good chance that he will be nice rooster? We wouldn't mind keeping one as long as he doesn't chase my small children. Thanks for your replies.

 

[taprock]

First is my EE roo doesn't have wattles so I'm not sure about that. My son has held our almost everyday since he was a day old. He's 9 months now and is the top Roo. He runs from my son and doesn't want to be held but when he does eventually get caught he is very calm and doesn't peck. My son carries him around, kisses him on the beak (too gross!), and handles him like a baby. He tolerates it all fine. He is also an excellent roo as in keeping an eye on everyone and watching out for them. I also haven't seen him being a bully to the other roos. Handle him everyday if you want him to be friendly.

 

[Qi Chicken]

I totally agree with taprock. We have an EE roo that was totally cuddled as a chick. We thought he was a hen. He is now an awesome roo. He will not jump on your lap for affection but if you pick him up and hold him he eventually relaxes and closes his eyes. He really seems to enjoy it and will stay for quite some time.

You do not want to try to dominate your roo from early on. This will become in his mind a competition and he will then try to dominate you. Roosters may not be the smartest animal in the world but they DO know that you are not a chicken. If you begin to behave like one (push him off hens, walk toward him to get him to walk away, not give him treats like you do the hens) he will begin to think you ARE some kind of rogue rooster and he will try to become #1. That is a silly competition to get into and usually ends with an aggressive roo and unhappy owner.

Our guy is great with the hens, very protective and he loves to do the treat call. Half the time I don't even think he sees a treat.

PS I would still watch out when your little guy is kissing him on the beak. Sometimes they think eyeballs are grapes (I've heard) and will peck. I would never want anything to happen to his eyes.

PS to the OP: We had two roos originally. One we treated like we thought we were supposed to (shooed him away ignored him and didn't give him treats) he was attacking my son (4 years old) when he was 16 weeks old. Like I said the other guy is awesome.

 

[chickenlizzy]

Thanks so much for the info. My kids will be happy to hear they need to hold him more. They love to hold the chicks. I wouldn't think to push him around or not give him treats like the rest, i'd never heard of that before. We will give him every chance we can. I'm hoping he will be a good rooster and will have a happy life with his 9 hens. If not, well....it will be the pot for him.

 

[Illia]

Easter Eggers do vary. . . When I first purchased some I saw some videos of some NASTY boys. Luckily mine didn't turn out that way, but, they can vary.


Now, my Araucanas, those guys have never been mean to people. Some are terrible about polite behaviors towards each other, but, they've never done anything wrong with people.

 

[CCourson05]

I need a rooster!!!! I can't find one anywhere!!