Grumpy Roo?

[WallyBirdie]

My Wyandotte cockerel recently started to crow. He's always been sweet and easy to handle. He likes to be held and he loves anyone with food.

But, I went to get everyone food and water, letting the older girls out to free range, and the new cockerel tried to bite me, and it wasn't a gentle or an impatient-for-food peck. He fluffed up and started to pace like he was agitated for me to be there.

This behavior is new for him. Should I be concerned? What should I do?

 

[Frazzemrat1]

you need to start research raising roosters asap! He isn't impatient about getting food, he's getting defensive over his flock of females. He may feel your a threat to his position. This behavior, if not kept in check, can easily get worse. You don't want it to get to the point where he's attacking friends coming over, or children. If you can't solve the problem, you should probably find him a new home.

 

[WallyBirdie]

you need to start research raising roosters asap! He isn't impatient about getting food, he's getting defensive over his flock of females. He may feel your a threat to his position. This behavior, if not kept in check, can easily get worse. You don't want it to get to the point where he's attacking friends coming over, or children. If you can't solve the problem, you should probably find him a new home.

I have an older rooster, and I've had others. I've never had any problems before. This is the first one that has shown any signs of irritation. He's young still. I'd hate to re-home him if there is another solution.

I'll research a bit, but I'm hoping this is an isolated event.

 

[aart]

I have an older rooster, and I've had others.

Have you had multiple males at the same time? That can make them 'grumpier'(more aggressive).

if there is another solution

Soup.

I'll research a bit, but I'm hoping this is an isolated event.

You can wish in one hand....

 

[Frazzemrat1]

I hate to agree with @aart on this. I'm very strict on my animals and human aggression. My last rooster wasn't even canine aggressive. If he showed any aggression at all, I probably would have found a new home for him... simply because he was an expensive double tufted araucana. If he had been a different breed and aggressive... he would have gone in the freezer.

 

[WallyBirdie]

Have you had multiple males at the same time? That can make them 'grumpier'(more aggressive).

Soup.

You can wish in one hand....

I currently have one older rooster in a separate pen/coop. He's well behaved.

In the past I've had as many as 3 roos at a time without any sign of aggression. I have a lot of hens and a lot of space. I free range them during the day (predator problems at night). This has worked fine for years. If there is a way to work with my Wyandotte, I'd rather try that first.