WhiteCastleFarms
Chirping
- Apr 20, 2018
- 3
- 11
- 55
I debated answering this as my ways are not in any Textbook but I have Always loved ALL animals; you just need to find a way to communicate with them. With chickens it's fairly easy, they Love treats and Hate being chased. At one time, I had over 60 Pullets laying eggs and 2 a two Rooster Team watching over them. All I hand raised from 2 days old. The two roosters were brothers, one mean and one more docile. The 'mean' one had some kind of issue with my Feet and would attack me from Behind, until one day where he sunk his spur, (at 1.5 inches), deep into my joint between my big toe and foot; Through the solid rubber boots I was wearing. Throughout raising them I would Talk to them like you would a dog and when they did what I Wanted, they got treats! When they didn't, I would scold them and give them Empty bags of treats, (frozen corn, carrots and peas). They may not be the Smartest birds but all 60+ of Mine figured out by my Tone if they were making 'Mommy' Happy and that their behavior determined if I was going to have a Full or Empty bag of treats. When my 'Dominant' Roo attacked me I screamed out in pain and started yelling at him and throwing small sticks in his direction. All the chickens froze and stared at me yelling at him. I addressed the flock telling them I was upset and NO Treats. I left my blood on my porch for them to investigate. Ended up in bed, (Foot elevated for pain and swelling), for 4 weeks on Heavy antibiotics for a massive infection in my foot. Once I was able to Walk on it again, I grabbed two small bags of thawed veggies and went out when all the chickens were back in the pen, right before bed. Shaking the bags and calling them over for treats, I placed a wooden block in clear view of the open pen. They hadn't seen me or had Any treats since I had been in bed. They were Very happy to see me and formed the usual circle for me to pass out treats.Recently we had to cull l one of our 5 month old cockerels due to aggression. Tonight our remaining cockerel flogged my son, twice. I know I have little experience but how on earth do you get a rooster who isn't human aggressive? I would really like to be able to hatch my own fertilized eggs. I also want my hens to be watched after. Is it just luck of the draw with roosters?
***Not Everyone will Agree or Like how I chose to Teach them but I've NEVER, (and NEVER Will), torture an animal!!***
I walked in the pen, (with combat boots this time ), grabbed the rooster that attacked me, flipped him over and carried him to the block of wood by his legs. I Immediately lowered him so his head was resting on the block, took my machete and severed his head completely. All the chickens watched as I brought his body, and head, into the pen where I hung it up with the head on the ground just out of their reach. After washing my hands with the hose, I grabbed the treats and in my Happy voice, proceeded to pass them out, tossing the First handful Directly in front of the remaining rooster and telling him they were His responsibility now. He ate his favorite, (carrots), and called the others over and I finished emptying both bags as I was surrounded by hens waiting for their share. After that, they rarely went without their beloved treats and if any hens squabbles, Roo-Roo, as I came to call him, took care of it Immediately.
I apologize if I offended Anyone with my way of teaching, and some may think it cruel or even a bit morbid, but what I do know is it worked. I Loved going out and talking to my chickens and even built up a Rapour (sp) with Roo-Roo. Here is a n Texas, the vultures are vicious when hungry and will and Have gone after live chickens! Roo-Roo had several calls he used for his girls and One for Me! 1st time I heard it I had NO Idea what was going on but grabbed my pellet gun and big stick and went out to see Roo-Roo fighting with 3 vultures. I ended up Losing a hen and Roo-Roo was bleeding but I killed 2 vultures and scared the other off. After that, when Ever Roo-Roo made that call, rarely but when needed, I would come to fight along side him! After the 'Emergency' was under control, I Always told him he was a Good Boy and "OK Roo-Roo, you can handle it from here!!" I like to think he understood me.