having trouble with roosters

[new_to_chickens]

Okay...I will try to make this as short as possible. About four weeks ago my husband and I packed up and moved from TN to NY. We packed everything, including all 8 chickens! We made it okay and the chickens only had to stay in a crate in the car for one night. As soon as we got to NY my husband built them a coop. Being NY, there was still quite a bit of snow on the ground so the chickens had to stay in the coop for about three weeks! We have 6 hens and 2 roosters that are almost one year old. In TN they got along beautifully. The 'top' rooster usually gave me the stink eye, but he was pretty harmless. But now the top rooster is keeping the other rooster inside all day! Both roosters have taken to trying to peck me (and succeeding). They have a huge outside run and adequate room inside. I haven't set up as many perches as I wanted too, but I do give them seeds, fruits, and other scraps. So...has anyone else had a problem with roosters who are so sweet turning on you like this? I am afraid that I am going to have to kill them both! When I am outside with them they don't seem to really pay any attention to me. They will run over to see if I have anything interesting, but that's about it...this only happens inside the coop. Could they be telling me that they are upset with me for moving them (this is a joke, btw!)

Thanks

 

[dawg53]

They might BE upset with you for moving them!! Chickens are creatures of habit, break their daily routine and they go haywire....stop laying, pick on each other, etc... Fortunately they also have short memories and will adapt in a few days or so. Your roosters on the otherhand are at that age that they think you are going to harm THEIR hens and will do anything to protect them,including pecking, dropping a wing and coming at you sideways(flogging), or may even try to spur you. You have one rooster too many and I recommend you give one of them away or whatever. You have to show your rooster (the one you decide to keep) who's the boss, or he'll show you he's the boss. Grab him by the feet with his legs spread apart and hold him out in front of you upside down. (dont do this if he has recently eaten) Hold on tight to him...one hand on each foot,he'll flap and frail his wings,bocking and trying to get away but hang onto him. Once he stops and calms down, turn him right side up,carry him and gently pet him and talk to him in a calm voice. Walk him for 30 minutes around the yard while petting and talking, then put him back in the pen. Do this daily for however long it takes. Roosters are hard headed and it'll take longer to tame him.In the meantime, by turning him upside down and letting him flap around til he stops,is his submission to you. This will break his bad habit of attacking you. It will show him that you're the head rooster in charge. Good luck.

 

[Backyard Farm]

I agree with previous post.
Moving probably messed with their "MOJO". I routinely carry young roos around ...upside down... a little... then right side up. NEVER kick at them. Message is... I am kind ... not a sparing partner... BUT I am dominate over you...

Have never had a mean roo since doing this.

Recently, one of my young roos took an unexpected dive at my heels... I proceeded to calmly but firmly walk about him.... finally caught him... after a little "hanging around" together, released him... no problem since.

 

[sourland]

It's that time of year. I think the behavior is coincidental to the move. As the days lengthen, testosterone production increases. Read all of the posts about people having the same problem. If you have children, do not let them anywhere near the roosters at this time. A rooster can cause serious damage to a child. Do not allow them to get away with this behavior or it will escalate. You might also try getting rid of one rooster. That is more roosters than are needed for that number of hens. Good luck with this and understand that it is perfectly normal behavior especially at this time of year. They are just roosters being roosters. If you are planning on raising chicks from them, also understand that agression begets agression. You might want to try getting a more laidback rooster. They do exist.

 

[thetajmahalcoop]

welcome to NY! Check out our thread under "where are you? where am I"---"NY chicken Lovers!" What part of Ny did you relocate to? You will find alot of neighbors on that thread, look forward to seeing you there!!!!
question--are your roosters barred rocks? It kinda looks that way by your avatar pic........if so, they can be mean!!! I will NEVER ever get barred rocks again just bc the rooster I had was VICIOUS!!!! Good luck, and post on the NY thread if you need to find a butcher in your area! Welcome!!!

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[new_to_chickens]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I will certainly spend some more time with them and see if I can't remedy the situation as best I can. I do indeed have barred rocks! I think they are the best I had a problem with one rooster who had to go because of his aggression, but the other ones have been fine until now. I am going to consider the 'time of the year' coupled with the move and being 'cooped' up for so long before I decide to do away with either or both roosters. I am planning on adding more hens to the mix as soon as the weather stays warm here. I will have to brood the chicks in the barn so I want it as warm as possible at night.

I will check out the 'where are you: NY' thread...heading there now!

Again...thanks for your replies...it sounds as if I have some good advice!