- Thread starter
- #21
Janetthegannet
In the Brooder
- May 10, 2023
- 9
- 65
- 46
Hi there! I'm lucky to be able to have Cockbirds as so many people can only have hens because of the early morning singing but I so often see questions on Facebook pages from people struggling to deal with bad behaviour from cockerels and it's clear that they haven't thought about it enough or have been given bad advice. Some males, unfortunately are untameable but others just need the right handling when young. Even the nasty ones can still be kept, if you really want to keep them, if one understands how to deal with their behaviour day to day. What most don't understand is never to use your feet; so not kick or lift the bird with your foot. Hands are what they are afraid of and instead of backing off you have to remember that we are top of the evolutionary tree and we have hands and arms instead of wings. By going towards the attacker, arms outstretched and being prepared to lift him by the neck, you've got him helpless! I speak as a puny old woman here. Also, if your cockerel chases you then get in first. If you chase him he can't chase you. I have a very sweet tempered and laid back boy in my garden now but he started out feisty so I chased him every time I went in with them for a few weeks - just a couple of times around the garden. He used to peck at my legs, so I picked him up by the neck (it's really hard to kill a Cockerel) but now none of this is necessary. I put him to bed in his soundproof room each night and he's waiting for me on the perch ready for his nightly cuddle. If I'd believed the advice I read we would never have got to this point.
We're so happy you've decided to join us
