Help.....Rose comb Bantam Rooster

[Akita Girl]

I have Buff Orphingtons, hens only. A month ago a rooster showed up in my yard with the hens. He is a Rose comb. My neighbor three houses down had bought some straight run chicks and ended up with more than one rooster. I guess dodge was not big enough for both and this one found his way to my house. The neighbor did not want him back so I kept him.

I did not really want a rooster, but, he is small and keeps a close eye out for Hawks and other critters.

My Buffs are very affectionate and love to be held and petted. The rose comb minds his own business and is no trouble, but, is not overly friendly. I do not know how old he is but he does crow and has begun to mate with the hens.

All had been well until a few days ago when I went to let them out to free range and to feed them. The rooster began following me and flying up against my leg. He did not hurt me, but, would not stop flying at me.

Every time I have gone out to be with the hens or to take care of them since then, the rooster puffs up and flaps his wings at me. If I turn my back he flys against my leg. I have small grandbabies that play with my chicks. I don't want a rooster that might hurt them.

I have read about aggressive roosters in general and some say put him into the stew pot. Some say ignore him and he will stop. Still others advise to sweep him around with the broom until he gets the idea.

I am at a loss. I don't know anything about this breed or about roosters since I have never had one. He is so small, can he hurt me or the grands? Can I teach him to leave us alone? Do I ignore him? Smack him? Help!

 

[QueenMisha]

I've found exactly two cures for mean cocks - the first and preferable one is the stew pot. There's no good reason to keep a bratty, disrespectful cock around when so many perfectly nice gentleman roosters are out there looking for good homes, and not to mention if he's bred he will pass that attitude on to his sons. The second one is to beat the living tar out of him. Sounds mean, I know, but putting the fear of God into em is the only cure I've found besides butchering. They need to be scared enough of what you can do to them that they don't want to come near you. Next time he comes at you, punt him. If he comes back again, kick him again. Keep doing it until he gives up then chase his across the yard acting as big and loud as you can. I'm a big fan of using big sticks to break mean cocks. It gives you a lot better range of motion and seems to confuse the birds when you wack em, "Where the heck did THAT come from?!" I usually spend a good twenty minutes breaking a cock from aggression. I've only ever had one come back for more.

 

[Akita Girl]

Thank you! I appreciate your reply! t.