I LIKE my Rooster

[Steve J]

Roosters aren't a bit scared when they attack. Their being dominate and it's just their natural instinct. I read somewhere that a rooster has the highest testosterone level of any animal. When they crow, it's a warning for all other males to stay away, or there will be a fight. I don't mind my rooster protecting his girls. In fact that's why I got him, to watch over them. I expect him to be upset when I catch one. He's not tame to the point of petting him, but I think he knows not to mess with me because I've shown him it won't work without harming him.

 

[Yorkshire lass]

That's interesting, thanks Steve J. Guess I'm looking after unusual cockerels lol!

 

[Steve J]

My hand raised hens were tame too, until I got him then they became more independent. He was raised by a man that did not try to handle his chickens much if at all. The man though wouldn't take anything off a rooster. He told me if a rooster ever acted aggressive , to always stand up to them and if necessary grap them by both wings and hold them . He was a big gruff guy, that had raised fowl all his life.

 

[igorsMistress]

No that's Penny, she's a small beagle. I found her out in the woods in 2010 while walking my other dogs. She was about 6 weeks old and in a hole in the ground howling forlornly. Apparently she followed her mother and got left behind. She was covered in fleas and ticks, starving when I pulled her out. Still have her and she's a sweetheart. Other than food issues from nearly dying from starvation. (She wants to dominate all the food, even the bigger dog's share)

She's lucky to have you, and what an adorable little face!

 

[igorsMistress]

I got a Cream legbar Roo 5 days ago, he's absolutely gorgeous, problem is he attacked me this morning when my back was turned, I've been doing everything to try and show him who's boss, i.e not feeding him by hand, standing between him and my hens and chasing him off, not allowing him to crow when I'm in his sight etc etc! He was hand raised by an 11yr old boy so I fear he was too spoilt, he is only 16weeks and so isn't even fully mature mating wise and he's already done that to me! My hens free range aswell so everywhere is his territory! I don't mind him coming for me but I have kids aged 6 and 7 and it isn't fair on them to only let them out if I'm with them! I'm afraid of what you're all going to tell me as I think I know the answer but should I get rid of him???

I would think it's a bit early for that, don't you?

Possibly quite spoiled, used to getting his way, maybe he was let go because he was the dominant one in the relationship? How is it that you got him?

 

[Mikus]

I would think it's a bit early for that, don't you?

Possibly quite spoiled, used to getting his way, maybe he was let go because he was the dominant one in the relationship? How is it that you got him?

He was hand reared by an 11yr old who breeds them as a hobby but he had to rehome him because he already had a rooster and the 2 were fighting. When I say he attacked me he didn't actually come at me with his claws he grabbed the back of my leg as he would with his ladies when he's trying to mate and he's never shown any aggression towards them either, they all get on well and he is still only a baby, he won't be fertilising any eggs until September

 

[igorsMistress]

@Mikus that's good news. I wouldn't say get rid of him unless you think you can't handle it.
My roo wasn't ever particularly friendly as a chick. He would come to cuddle in my lap with the girls, would eat from my hand, but wasn't the most loving of the group.
My relationship with Emmett is evolving and we seem to have reached an agreement about rules. He brwaks them, I just patiently remain consistent. I have never hurt him, wouldn't even cross my mind. It's like when your sons hormones get going and he likes to scrap with dad lol.

 

[Abriana]

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

I love my rooster too! He is a fabulous protector and if anyone came along and tried to kick Napoleon, they'd better run because they'd be the next one kicked! I am so glad you went about it the right way-lots of research, a gentle hand, and reasonable rules to protect people and prevent injury! Your rooster has a great owner!

 

[igorsMistress]

I love my rooster too! He is a fabulous protector and if anyone came along and tried to kick Napoleon, they'd better run because they'd be the next one kicked! I am so glad you went about it the right way-lots of research, a gentle hand, and reasonable rules to protect people and prevent injury! Your rooster has a great owner!

Well thank you!

Did you enter Napoleon for President or vice?

 

[Abriana]

I think I did, but I can't remember. I did enter him for Chicken of the Month (August) and for the 2018 BYC calendar.