How to tame Roosters?

[VJK]

Some things I have tried with our two roosters are simply going about my business when I enter their coop and run, and if they approach me aggressively (run at me, peck my feet or bite my leg), I get down on their level- and back them off. I usually don't have to move toward them- just hold my ground and keep facing them if they try to circle me. Sometimes I have had to move toward them until they relinquished and walked away. After doing this consistently, they have learned that I'm not going to harm them and also not going to tolerate their behavior (rooster-like or not!) When they are on their roost bar and are more relaxed, I pet them, touch their combs and wattles, and they seem to enjoy the attention. I try to be more sensitive when I first enter their space- not rush in and instead give them a moment to adjust to me being there. It has been a challenge but worth it to me. Because of their recent fighting with each other, I have their coop and run separated so they can be together but through fencing. I have heard great success from others who have had more than 4 roosters together in a bachelor pad. I wasn't up for increasing my rooster flock (who are separate from the hens also) so opted for separation. Good luck. Roosters can be wonderful and their big personalities and their antics can be fun to watch.

 

[JKay98]

I'm just going to say that aggression in chickens is testing their pecking order. You are included in said order. All chickens test their superior's limits until they get a peck or a very nasty glare in reward. Sometimes if you "fight back", by pushing them out of your way with your foot, or picking them up, roosters will give up. But don't count on this, because the more aggressive ones are compelled to defend their positions by attacking you. Those are usually the ones that crow whenever they see you. This only applies if they know you and understand that you aren't a predator. If they think that, then they either act chicken and run from you, or attack to defend the flock. And no, I'm not nuts. (I hope.)I
But the best thing to do get rid of them.

I have had to carry around my roosters every once in awhile. I call it the walk of shame. I put him under my arm and walk around until I feel hes relaxed. And definitely do not let him down if he struggles. They need to know I am in charge. I never back down from being flogged, I carry him or walk at him til he’s walking away from me. And I never move out of their way. They move out of mine. I am the boss in my flock. It seems to work. I haven’t been flogged more than once from my Roos.

 

[Klutch]

What breed are they?

 

[brendaanddaveriley]

I have had to carry around my roosters every once in awhile. I call it the walk of shame. I put him under my arm and walk around until I feel hes relaxed. And definitely do not let him down if he struggles. They need to know I am in charge. I never back down from being flogged, I carry him or walk at him til he’s walking away from me. And I never move out of their way. They move out of mine. I am the boss in my flock. It seems to work. I haven’t been flogged more than once from my Roos.

I think yours is the best advise of all. Roos will be roos, and by doing the "Walk of Shame" your letting him know your in charge but not his enemy. So far all my young flock are friendly but as they grow and come into their breeding age I will keep your advise in mind. Really like that "Walk of Shame" LOL Good idea.

 

[Mrs. K]

Centrarchid - I read this article years ago, and to this day, I come into the run. Put the feed up high, and clean up the water and add fresh. I take a few moments to just watch them, or check for eggs, or whatever else, then I feed.

It is so flattering when they run to you, but it really is like a mob attack, and even the hens need to calm down.

#1 is VERY GOOD ADVICE.

 

[tamara1966]

Hello, I need some very important advice! I got some chicks a few months back which all happened to be roosters, they're like 2 maybe almost 3 months old. Lately they've been acting very aggressive, as for example I had a younger chick in my lap the other day and they came and snatched it out of my lap and tried to kill the poor baby. This morning one of them bit me very hard on the foot because I had walked away to bring them their morning food! It's not bad but it did draw quite some blood. So I was wondering if this is normal or if there is a way to somehow tame them? I tried to raise them as best as I could but maybe I spoiled them too much as chicks. I dont know but I could use some advice! Thank you!

I have felt with mean/aggressive roosters most of my life. Mean animals are not allowed to stay on my farm. Myself personally, I would have a face to face talk with the rooster at the moment it shows aggression. I'm talking a finger pointed at his beak, crouched down close to his level and look him in the eye! Then I tell them I will not accept a mean rooster and that I will chop off his head and cook him for dinner if it happens again! If he comes at you again, then grab him immediately and chop off his head and eat him for dinner. Next time you go out with your roosters and one comes at you remind him of what happened to the other one. It seems harsh but it is effective and eventually you will have culled out the meanest ones and the other ones will catch on. I have a beautiful rooster ( pretty boy roy) and he is a sweetheart. We had the talk only once and have not had a problem since. Now he has pecked my son on his boot once but when my grandsons come to visit they run in and play in the coop area. We have a large fenced in area that has our rabbit pens etc. The chickens have the run of it. Anyways Hudson is 2 and Roy has never gone after him. Good luck and be firm.

 

[tamara1966]

I think yours is the best advise of all. Roos will be roos, and by doing the "Walk of Shame" your letting him know your in charge but not his enemy. So far all my young flock are friendly but as they grow and come into their breeding age I will keep your advise in mind. Really like that "Walk of Shame" LOL Good idea.

I like what you call it. Had a baby rooster who would hide under car to get you. He had been hand raised , so when he came at you we would catch him, hold him and tell him what a nice rooster he was. The look on his face was priceless. He would leave you alone for 2 weeks after that. LOL

 

[centrarchid]

I have felt with mean/aggressive roosters most of my life. Mean animals are not allowed to stay on my farm. Myself personally, I would have a face to face talk with the rooster at the moment it shows aggression. I'm talking a finger pointed at his beak, crouched down close to his level and look him in the eye! Then I tell them I will not accept a mean rooster and that I will chop off his head and cook him for dinner if it happens again! If he comes at you again, then grab him immediately and chop off his head and eat him for dinner. Next time you go out with your roosters and one comes at you remind him of what happened to the other one. It seems harsh but it is effective and eventually you will have culled out the meanest ones and the other ones will catch on. I have a beautiful rooster ( pretty boy roy) and he is a sweetheart. We had the talk only once and have not had a problem since. Now he has pecked my son on his boot once but when my grandsons come to visit they run in and play in the coop area. We have a large fenced in area that has our rabbit pens etc. The chickens have the run of it. Anyways Hudson is 2 and Roy has never gone after him. Good luck and be firm.

A very good way to get a potentially problematic rooster to turn the corner and become full on aggressive.

 

[ChickenChick34]

Don’t try to be his alpha. Stay as far away from the pecking order as you can.

Y
i’m not sure I understand your reply. I simply want him to be gentle and not beat up my hens.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

If you're inside the pecking ordwr, you have to be the boss and he may try to beat you and take your place. You can't let that happen because he'll become agressive. Easier to just avoid flock dynamics and be an outside force