FattySmough
Songster
Hello!
I have an Easter Egger cockerel who was supposed to be a pullet, and he is about 12 weeks old now. This is my first cockerel and I want him to be respectful to humans. Personally I wouldn't be too bothered by a more territorial rooster, but I live with my family and they would rather not be attacked by him.
I socialized him along with the girls since they were babies, offering them treats, holding them, petting them, etc. But I have been seeing others say that socialized cockerels often turn on their owners. I still give him treats and occasionally give him a little rub on his chest. I also pick him up and walk around with him with the intent of showing him who is boss. He's not afraid of me, but he generally steps aside if I walk directly at him (unless I have treats of course). He doesn't really seek out my company like my polish pullets do. He also sometimes gives me a light peck on the hand if I surprise him when trying to pick him up, but he doesn't really do it aggressively.
What do you guys think? Should I adjust my behaviour with him? Can I continue to socialize the pullets to be friendly without socializing him too much? And when are his hormones likely to start kicking in? Thanks.
This is what he looks like:
I have an Easter Egger cockerel who was supposed to be a pullet, and he is about 12 weeks old now. This is my first cockerel and I want him to be respectful to humans. Personally I wouldn't be too bothered by a more territorial rooster, but I live with my family and they would rather not be attacked by him.
I socialized him along with the girls since they were babies, offering them treats, holding them, petting them, etc. But I have been seeing others say that socialized cockerels often turn on their owners. I still give him treats and occasionally give him a little rub on his chest. I also pick him up and walk around with him with the intent of showing him who is boss. He's not afraid of me, but he generally steps aside if I walk directly at him (unless I have treats of course). He doesn't really seek out my company like my polish pullets do. He also sometimes gives me a light peck on the hand if I surprise him when trying to pick him up, but he doesn't really do it aggressively.
What do you guys think? Should I adjust my behaviour with him? Can I continue to socialize the pullets to be friendly without socializing him too much? And when are his hormones likely to start kicking in? Thanks.
This is what he looks like: