I have a New Hampshire Red style Rooster that's just coming up on a year old, I raised him from a chick, but he's tried a few times to flog my partner and recently he's started to try and flog me too, but his spurs aren't sharp thankfully as he's only a year old. Despite these negatives, I have some positives for him too. He's gentle with his hens, he never draws any blood when mating and doesn't relentlessly chase them. He trills for food for the ladies and waits for them to eat first, looks out for predators, he takes his job very seriously. I can pick him up without him getting angry and I can get him to snooze on my lap when he's chill. He attacks me only when I'm facing away from him or carrying the coop tray, he's a coward when he does attack and doesn't challenge me when I turn around (yet). I usually pick him up for a couple of minutes, tell him he's an idiot and place him back down, he then walks away.
I'm worried that if he keeps escalating this aggression I might have to cull him. What will this do to the flock dynamic? Will the head hen likely become a bully? Will they be more nervous free ranging? I'm new to this chicken socialisation and I'm worried if I upset the dynamics, I may end up with bigger problems for my flock. I've tried treats, and gently pinning him (when he's being an idiot) and handling him, but he's not changed a bit. Spring has made him extra spicy and I'm saddened to have to keep my eye on him when interacting with my gorgeously tame hens.
If you wonderful lot have any advice on what you would do, what you have done or your experiences, I would love to hear them! Thanks
I'm worried that if he keeps escalating this aggression I might have to cull him. What will this do to the flock dynamic? Will the head hen likely become a bully? Will they be more nervous free ranging? I'm new to this chicken socialisation and I'm worried if I upset the dynamics, I may end up with bigger problems for my flock. I've tried treats, and gently pinning him (when he's being an idiot) and handling him, but he's not changed a bit. Spring has made him extra spicy and I'm saddened to have to keep my eye on him when interacting with my gorgeously tame hens.
If you wonderful lot have any advice on what you would do, what you have done or your experiences, I would love to hear them! Thanks
