I might have made a big mistake with this rooster

[Khoree]

I need some advice regarding our Buff Orpington rooster, Winston. We took him from a nice lady who couldn't keep him when she discovered he was a roo. So, he was hatched sometime in the spring. I have 30 chickens total. 8 are a month old and safely in a brooder. All female. 20 pullets that are 2.5 months old and fully feathered. And one little buff brahma cockerelle that is not fully feathered but he is trying . Winston attacks the little roo and will basically not let him out of the coop. He also sneaks up and grabs the pullets. Lots of shrieking and everyone runs to hide. Winston doesn't really watch for predators and if I bring treats he runs the girls off and tries to eat it all himself. He has never attacked me but my husband and daughter are terrified of him. Both have been been attacked and chased. I have to walk my daughter to her car every day. Is he a just bad rooster? Are all of my other chickens in danger? Will Winston eventually start doing his job when he is older or when the girls are older? Or, should I rehome him or cull him? Or caponize him?? Although he seems to tolerate me he will not let me touch him. He always stays just out of my reach. Thanks for reading the really looooong question.

 

[chickenlittle21]

He sounds like a bad rooster. It may just be because hes young, though.

 

[Northwest_Wannabe]

He doesn't sound like a good rooster in my opinion, you and/or your family shouldn't fear going near the chickens, I'd re-home or stew him and hope that little Brahma grows up to be a good boy!

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Don't keep ones that chase humans. The rest is just hormones and teenager hormones are the worst. I'd move him along and try again with the younger male

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

My rooster is just like that. Is give him time to figure it out, mine has gotten better over the past week.

 

[Cleona]

Not sure I would have a rooster that family members are afraid of @Khoree Maybe give him time, but keep options open too.

 

[Starburst]

Personally, I wouldn't keep a rooster that is chasing people or putting people at risk of getting injured/attacked. I would suggest that you think about re-homing him or cull him, which can be a hard decision, but it's wise to do that if he continues to act like that.

 

[Mrs. K]

You are going to get a lot of conflicting advice. However, a rooster like that is a danger, and a visitor might not find it funny.

Their brain is the size of a walnut, not a lot to work with, once they start bullying, they are the biggest thing in the flock, and there really isn't anything that can knock some manners into him. In a multi-generational flock, older bird would be educating him. If you could re-home him into a flock with mature birds it might help.

I vote let him go, roosters have ruined chickens for a whole lot of people. In my opinion, he is just getting started and is apt to become more and more violent.

Mrs K

 

[Khoree]

He doesn't sound like a good rooster in my opinion, you and/or your family shouldn't fear going near the chickens, I'd re-home or stew him and hope that little Brahma grows up to be a good boy!

I'm so afraid if the little guy grows up terrified he won't be a good rooster either.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
This bird isn't who you need! Move him on, with full disclosure, and maybe your younger cockerel will work out better.
Nobody is having a good time here, and your child, and these pullets deserve better.
Mary