Good or bad? (Cockerel)

[KikiDeAnime]

Our cockerel named Sergeant Hei Hei, who we've had since June, has begun to act differently towards me. Since I'm currently the only one who is out with them most of the day, I'm the only one he really knows. He will still fall asleep in my lap if I pick him up and hold him.
I'm still unsure of his age because I never asked the lady who gave him to me but I assume he's older than 6 months by now or at least close to a year old now.

His behavior is as listed:
-Keeping a distance but keeping his eyes on me, watching what I do.
-Refusing to attempt to mate with a hen if I'm looking but will still do the "dance" towards them.
-Now being cautious about taking treats from me.
-If I'm down on the ground working on something, he will stand next to me. Sometimes pecking any tools I have in my hand when I grab them.

 

[MarkJr]

Sounds like him being off to the side and not mating in front of you are a sign that he sees you as superior.

Now if that’s a good thing, I do not know.

 

[Oncoming Storm]

Sounds like his man hormones kicked in. Their attitudes can change when they hit puberty.

 

[KikiDeAnime]

Sounds like his man hormones kicked in. Their attitudes can change when they hit puberty.

Well the lady said he was already mating with her hens before she gave him to me. He never tried with ours until now due to them beating him up constantly.

 

[Oncoming Storm]

Well the lady said he was already mating with her hens before she gave him to me. He never tried with ours until now due to them beating him up constantly.

If that’s the case, I agree that he’s being submissive. Wish my boys were as well behaved as yours.

 

[Vickischics]

Our cockerel named Sergeant Hei Hei, who we've had since June, has begun to act differently towards me. Since I'm currently the only one who is out with them most of the day, I'm the only one he really knows. He will still fall asleep in my lap if I pick him up and hold him.
I'm still unsure of his age because I never asked the lady who gave him to me but I assume he's older than 6 months by now or at least close to a year old now.

His behavior is as listed:
-Keeping a distance but keeping his eyes on me, watching what I do.
-Refusing to attempt to mate with a hen if I'm looking but will still do the "dance" towards them.
-Now being cautious about taking treats from me.
-If I'm down on the ground working on something, he will stand next to me. Sometimes pecking any tools I have in my hand when I grab them.
View attachment 2362601

I don't own a rooster. But, my
flock Rooster is my King Shepard! She keeps an hawks eye out and rounds them up when needed or finds them when one might wander off too far and chases them back.
But, from what I've read and have learned on BYC, is what your sharing about your handsome guy, is a good thing!
Most peeps write about being Flogged by a Cockerelaka: Roo that they've hand raised then jumping on your lap for praises. Watch him like a Hawk and be prepared for a Flogging when he deems fit to nail ya.
I've read, thats not a pretty thing and your adoration for him will change after that happens.
Good luck and keep us posted.
He sure is Handsome!

 

[KikiDeAnime]

If that’s the case, I agree that he’s being submissive. Wish my boys were as well behaved as yours.

Do you think it's due to the fact that the previous owner had a top rooster and 2 other cockerels?

 

[One Lucky Momma]

Roosters are SOOOO fascinating. I believe your little man is growing up and is seeing you as his superior, and that’s a good thing.

I’m very new with chickens but have lived them fully since the box arrived from the hatchery this past April. If I‘m not actually with them, then I’m either reading some chicken book or on BYC... (it may not be quite that bad but I believe DH would support the claim).

If you’ll keep reading into the BYC articles, there’s some great information on rooster relations. Be forewarned, there are differences of opinion among very experienced keepers. Expand your knowledge, and remember that while commonalities abound, your relationship with your roo will be your own. Don’t you just love him? Post his photo!

 

[Oncoming Storm]

Do you think it's due to the fact that the previous owner had a top rooster and 2 other cockerels?

That could factor into it, yes. But it may be due to his personality. Some birds are more submissive than others.

 

[Sally PB]

I believe your little man is growing up and is seeing you as his superior, and that’s a good thing.

I agree! Be glad! Him seeing you as top being in the coop is a very good thing. I had to cull two cockerels when hormones hit because they became unholy terrors, both to me and the pullets.