Getting rid of my rooster! :(

[gg706]

I understand what you are all saying and really take it to heart. That was one of my comments to my son is what if he "makes a mistake" with you? It makes it a little more difficult in that my rooster does not chase anyone or act normally in an aggressive manner. He goes about his business and we can walk right up to him with no reaction. I guess there is always a risk with any animal. Strike 3 he is out!

 

[roostersandhens]

What breed is he?

 

[gg706]

I killed the rooster today. He attacked me again......I was unlocking the shed door and he jumped on me from behind and almost climbed up my back in his attack. So I got ahold of him and he is GONE! My son is going to be upset but we had an agreement and I know he will understand.

You all are very correct in saying that once they start they do not stop!!!! I am glad it is over and I do not have be worried about my kids anymore. I will not keep any roosters, EVER again! I think my hens will be more happy without him. What should I expect from the hens now that he is gone? It seems they are looking for him? Right now they are very skiddish as they had a front row seat to the whole thing. I was going to wait and take him off the roost tonight but I was afraid I would lose my nerve.
I appreciate all the advice from everyone, as it was VERY good advice...just took me some time and one more attack for me to follow it. Thank You all so much for the support!

 

[PandoraChick]

I am glad it's over and you and your kiddos are safe. I think it is one of those things you have to see for yourself...people were telling me to cull him for a couple months before I finally felt it was the right thing to do.
I felt like you afterwards, that I would never have another Roo again, but honestly I kinda miss him(6 months later) and we are looking at tame(er) breeds.Maybe a silkie bantam roo

I also felt like my Hens would be happier...we didn't do it in front of them, but I honestly do not think they even noticed he was gone..they acted about the same, but I do think they seem to get along better...He hadn't accepted our EE hens yet, they were pretty young still and not yet laying. Once he was gone, they seem to get along better with the other girls.

 

[bobbi-j]

I'm glad it's over for you. Too bad it had to end that way, but at least it wasn't one of your kids that was attacked. Your hens will be fine. When we lop heads, it's right in front of the coops. I really don't think their little pea-brains can process that you, the trusted human, killed the rooster. They know there was a commotion, and for the moment they realize that one of the flock is missing. They may be skittish for a day or two, but then they'll forget all about it. They'll be a little off as they reestablish their pecking order. (This happens every time you add or subtract a member of the flock, no matter how it is done.) If you ever get the urge for another rooster, look into some calmer breeds. Of all the roosters I've had, the Brahma that I have now is the best one ever! The most aggressive ones I've had are EE's and a Barred Rock. That's just been my experience, and I can't speak for the whole of any breed. Oh, and your son will respect you for your decision. Maybe not now, but you did have an agreement. He will eventually see that it was for the best.

 

[gg706]

I talked to my son as soon as he got off the bus. He said he understands and is glad it was not him that got attacked. He said it will be "different", but fine in the end. He said the rooster was not his favorite so it was OK. Funny how strong kids are when given the chance. I thought he would be really upset, but he was fine.

The rooster was an Araucana so part of the make up of EE's. Strange how he was so friendly and then he would just snap here lately. Actually in looking back on it , that is almost worse because after and attack you watch him like a hawk and then after a couple of days you calm down and go about your business and at the moment you least expect it he attacked. If he ALWAYS attacked (not that I would have kept him) I would have always been ready and watching for him. Right now I am saying NO roosters but maybe again someday I will get over it and decide to keep one. If I do I will check into the breeds you suggested.
I free range all day, do you think I should keep the hens in until they get reestablished as to who is going to be the flock leader and watcher? I do have a fenced yard but we do have hawks fly over almost daily....with the rooster they have never gotten any of my chickens. Without him are they at a disadvantage in a free ranging situation?

 

[bobbi-j]

I think your hens will learn to be vigilant. Do they have hiding places while they're free ranging? I would let them range, but that's just me. Again, it's a decision that only you can make. Do you have a dog that's out with your birds? We have hawks, owls, and eagles where I live. Of all the losses I've had over the years, I haven't lost any to a hawk (or eagle, as far as I know). We do live in a very rural area, though, and there are lots of pheasants, rabbits, and other small wildlife around. I think that makes a huge difference. The hawks would rather get their food away from the buildings if possible. We also have a black lab that hangs out around the chickens, and he may be a deterrent, too. That's my theory, anyway. I'm so glad your son wasn't too upset. You're right - kids are resilient when given the chance. I also think your handling it in a matter of fact way makes a difference. If you were to have treated it like a tragedy, he would most likely have been more upset by it.

 

[gg706]

Yes they do have hiding spots. I do have 2 dogs out all day. I will let the hens out today and see how they do. Thank You for all the help, I appreciate it!

 

[roostersandhens]

I could have taken him. I geuss I cant now.

 

[annewandering]

I could have taken him. I geuss I cant now.

In California?
Anyway is it right to take a violent animal and give them to anyone else? She did what needed to be done. Hard though it was.