Feeling his "oats"?

[2DogsFarm]

I am a Rooster Newb - my 7mo cockerel was supposed to be a pullet! - but he is quite handsome, seems pretty gentlemanly to the hens & up until yesterday seemed to acknowledge I was the Better Man (so to speak).
I make a practice of carrying him around a bit when I feed the hens in the morning - usually just pick him off the roost, then down.

I have a friend visiting & she wanted to toss some scratch to the flock while they were out freeranging.

I turned my back for a minute & when I turned back she told me he had "jumped" at her - no pecking, just bumped her leg.
He then challenged a hen - chest-bumping with his hackles raised.
I immediately booted him away from the hen, then stalked him back into the coop. For good measure I picked him up & carried him for a minute or two. Even had my friend pet his comb while I held him.

Is this the sort of teen-roo behavior I need to keep an eye on now?

 

[Sorin]

Yes, I would keep an eye on it. One trick I have used with success is to give my roo special treats to give his girls. I cut grapes in half, which they LOVE, and always make sure to give him first, which he almost always turns around and gives to his hens. This serves two purposes. One, he now looks at me as a source of food, not competition. Second, it keeps him in good with the hens! Any one that comes around that will have contact with the chickens I have do this that way he sees people as a source of food and treats, not competition for his rank as head Roo. I know some roosters are just plain mean but it sounds like you may have a good one on your hands and I find this method a good way of keeping them like that! Good Luck, I hope this helps

 

[2DogsFarm]

Thanks Sorin - I'd like to keep this guy but if he gets nasty he'll get rehomed.
I'll try your method with treats - any of my flock will kill for a raisin.

I see you have a Polish-Cochin cross - any pics?
My Houdan hen went BigTime Broody last Summer & I think if she does this year I may see if any of her eggs hatch (she's the only white egg-layer in the flock) - those could be some interesting-looking mutts

 

[theoldchick]

He's feeling his testosterone. Need to nip this behavior in the bud as soon as possible. Snatch that feller up and carry him around like he is a newborn human baby. Put him on his back for several seconds at a time-not too long or he will suffocate. This will make the rooster respect you but he most likely will continue to challenge and attack other folks who come to visit. He is just being a teenage rooster and needs to learn what is acceptable behavior. Some are worse than others and the bad ones make a good chicken stew.