I have a rooster

[autumnbee17]

I have a rooster but I became really fond of him because I hatch him from just an egg. Normally when I have a rooster I immediately got rid of them. I have 12 hens and him, if that plays a factor in it. I just need to figure out if I can keep him from being mean and trying to mate with me and my family.

 

[redblack10]

How old is he now?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

All chickens including roosters are individuals. How did you raise this boy? Did he sit on your lap and hang out a bunch or generally try to avoid being handled? The ones that seem real comfortable and friendly when young are the ONLY ones that ever attacked me.

If he goes after your family, it isn't mating that's on his mind.. it's making you leave the vicinity. What does your family entail, any small children?

 

[autumnbee17]

How old is he now?

He's about 4-5 months maybe 6 months at most

 

[redblack10]

I have over 15 roosters that are exactly the same age - 5 months. I am new to roosters, having gotten them (dual-purpose, not the Cornish cross) for meat, for my first time. I have learned A LOT! I agree with most of what I have read. They are aggressive or not aggressive. Sometimes the non-aggressive become aggressive. The ones who jump at me or peck just want me to go away. I have actually built 2, completely covered runs -- one for the top guys and one for the lower status guys. My brown leghorn and a couple of lower buff orpingtons run with the hens, including layers I have had for a few years. Prior to the separation, the big guys terrorized everyone else, causing one major injury. Now that a few roosters run with over 25 hens, and the others are limited to their areas, I have little aggression happening. I hope you find that your guy can be satisfied with - and not be rough with your hens. As long as he isn't actively jumping at you, your kids, your friends, your pets, he doesn't need to be a pet (except to watch and enjoy). Please keep us posted!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Well, those aren't roosters yet. They are cockerels still and they will still go though a couple more hormonal changes.

My stag pen is large and currently has about 19 boys ranging in age from 3 months to just over a year. Including breeds Silkie, Turken, Marans, Sussex, and Swedish Flower. The silkies are the most likely to peck me.

Mating takes place when I say, and I don't have to worry about the boys going after my dogs as some have previously.

What is your current interaction like with him?

 

[Birdsong 82]

I guess it depends on the rooster and it's personality. Maybe the environment I've had three roosters and never had any problems with any of them being aggressive. And we got them when they're about three months old they weren't the type to go sit in your lap or be held but never had an ounce of aggression in them. I'm very fond of one of my roosters. He's extra gentle with the hens

 

[redblack10]

Well, those aren't roosters yet. They are cockerels still and they will still go though a couple more hormonal changes.

My stag pen is large and currently has about 19 boys ranging in age from 3 months to just over a year. Including breeds Silkie, Turken, Marans, Sussex, and Swedish Flower. The silkies are the most likely to peck me.

Mating takes place when I say, and I don't have to worry about the boys going after my dogs as some have previously.

What is your current interaction like with him?

I'm sorry - I know they are cockerels . . . but they don't!

 

[autumnbee17]

Well, those aren't roosters yet. They are cockerels still and they will still go though a couple more hormonal changes.

My stag pen is large and currently has about 19 boys ranging in age from 3 months to just over a year. Including breeds Silkie, Turken, Marans, Sussex, and Swedish Flower. The silkies are the most likely to peck me.

Mating takes place when I say, and I don't have to worry about the boys going after my dogs as some have previously.

What is your current interaction like with him?

I hold him a couple times a day and I feed him grass when I'm standing by the gate. Also I pet him a couple times a week.