I LIKE my Rooster

[FrankHomestead]

I was telling a lady I know that we finally got chickens and she told me if I got a rooster I should be prepared to kick it across the yard to show it who's boss. I was horrified.

The minute I suspected a roo in my flock I started reading about how to handle it. I've learned so much from the experts here on BYC and I'm thankful. Because I like my rooster.

I love hearing Emmet crow in the morning, which isn't too early either. He's so sweet to the girls. He calls them for treats he finds, lets them eat first, and keeps a watchful eye for predators. He's a wonderful escort for them and they all seem to like him. No bare backs, he has never hurt anyone while mating.

We've had our moments of learning and he's beginning to understand the rules. Crowing is ok if he's across the yard, no mating in line of sight. He's been goosed on his fluffy butt and chased off and kept away from the girls. Shades of @Beekissed and her excellent advice. And she's right, it's FUN! I keep him guessing...some days I don't give him an inch of slack, some days he might get a break.

I have learned too though. I don't sit with the girls on the edge of the patio any more because he started his little shoulder drop dance. I put myself in a bad position before I even thought about what I was doing. We have a picnic table where the girls join me now instead, but he's not allowed up there with me.

I've taught my kids how to handle him and the grandkids are never allowed out to see the girls without an adult.

We seem to have an agreement , he still eats from my hand, but at arms length. I'm not afraid to turn my back on him, but I do keep an eye on him. So far he keeps an eye on me too but hasn't decided to attack. View attachment 1062327

He's gorgeous

 

[Elyrian1]

Well, having one bad dog can teach the new dog bad habits too. I would venture to say a fresh start is promising, Flywheel. Some of the old timers swear you shouldn't have more than one rooster at a time, not sure I totally agree, but I do see at least one benefit to it. You only have to worry about your rooster trying to pick a fight with you, not with one of the other boys when you're not looking and then somebody gets killed. I'd look for someone trying to rehome a gentle rooster. Just a thought. We got one that had been a show boy and he never looked at me funny. Not once. Couldn't cuddly him either, he'd freak out and try to get away, but he was a good boy otherwise.

 

[Chickassan]

I think my football therapy is working! I didn't get tidbitted or ankle bitten this morning, little butthead gave me my space! Touchdown!

 

[Eggsakly]

I just lost my bantam buff Brahma roo. I was heartbroken. He was so beautiful and sweet. Unfortunately, he was not a brave rooster. I made a terrible mistake and my dog got loose twice in three days when all the chickens were out. All my fault. She went straight for my chickens, and each time out she managed to get one in her mouth. You would not believe what I went through, and I cannot believe how I did it, but I somehow managed to run through the woods in flip flops and grab the dog who pulled me down to the ground on my face.

She did not hurt either of the chickens she grabbed. There wasn't a drop of blood or a single scratch on either one. Neither one of them were the rooster, either, who from what I can tell, ran very quickly into the coop and hid in a nest box. After it happened twice he wouldn't come out of the coop for a day and then he died.

boo, hoo, hoo

Now I have two bantam Wyandotte cockerels, and I will keep one. They are quite different in looks and personality. One runs to me every time he so much as hears my voice. He is very comfortable being close, and he is the less dominant of the two cockerels. I believe he is friendly. He looks at me a lot and hangs out wherever I go, as does one little golden laced pullet. He also has the best coloring, but I think the other little guy is a very beautiful bird with better feathering.

I love having a beautiful, nice rooster, and I'm so sad to have lost my big boy. But I'm happy to have one up and coming, and I hope he stays nice.

 

[FrankHomestead]

View attachment 1120982 View attachment 1120980 I just lost my bantam buff Brahma roo. I was heartbroken. He was so beautiful and sweet. Unfortunately, he was not a brave rooster. I made a terrible mistake and my dog got loose twice in three days when all the chickens were out. All my fault. She went straight for my chickens, and each time out she managed to get one in her mouth. You would not believe what I went through, and I cannot believe how I did it, but I somehow managed to run through the woods in flip flops and grab the dog who pulled me down to the ground on my face.

She did not hurt either of the chickens she grabbed. There wasn't a drop of blood or a single scratch on either one. Neither one of them were the rooster, either, who from what I can tell, ran very quickly into the coop and hid in a nest box. After it happened twice he wouldn't come out of the coop for a day and then he died.

boo, hoo, hoo

Now I have two bantam Wyandotte cockerels, and I will keep one. They are quite different in looks and personality. One runs to me every time he so much as hears my voice. He is very comfortable being close, and he is the less dominant of the two cockerels. I believe he is friendly. He looks at me a lot and hangs out wherever I go, as does one little golden laced pullet. He also has the best coloring, but I think the other little guy is a very beautiful bird with better feathering.

I love having a beautiful, nice rooster, and I'm so sad to have lost my big boy. But I'm happy to have one up and coming, and I hope he stays nice.

I'm sorry for your loss! so he died from freight/stress I take it?

 

[igorsMistress]

He's gorgeous

Thank you, I think he is too

 

[igorsMistress]

@Eggsakly I'm so sorry! I love the little bantam guys. They have twice the personality!

 

[Eggsakly]

I'm sorry for your loss! so he died from freight/stress I take it?

Thank you. Yes. (sniff, sniif) Poor thing died from being so frightened. I raised him from a newly hatched chick, and I was quite fond of him.

 

[Eggsakly]

@Eggsakly I'm so sorry! I love the little bantam guys. They have twice the personality!

Thank you, Igor's. I love my bantams! My Brahmas lay the most delicious eggs I've ever eaten, and they are quite large for bantam eggs. My neighbor prefers them above any other eggs, and he has raised chickens for many years.

I'm happy with the Wyandottes, also. They are good little guys. Their eggs won't be as big, but hopefully I'll get some chicks from them in the future.

 

[FrankHomestead]

Thank you. Yes. (sniff, sniif) Poor thing died from being so frightened. I raised him from a newly hatched chick, and I was quite fond of him.

Awe that's so sad!!
Stinking dog!!