Just How Mean Are Leghorn Roosters?

[Chickenhappy8708]

Well, we ended up with 2 "pullets" who are actually cockerls, they were all intended to be pets, and I knew white Leghorn s tend to be flighty, but I also knew proper handling helps with that. One of our Leghorns, however, is a cockerl, Wich I've heard are aggressive. As soon as I realized I began holding him on my lap, and feeding him oats out of my hand.(with a towel on my lap, I learned that the hard way.) But he's still quite flighty, even with food involved. I also have a Jersey Giant cockerl, I think I might have to rehome him, he's not nice to me, or the younger chickens. There about 7 weeks, how long do I have, is there any way they will be the sweet little chickens I wanted?

 

[keesmom]

Is this your first time with chickens? If so I would suggest parting with both of them.

 

[Mrs. K]

I would recommend that you re-home the rooster if you want pets. Roosters change the dynamics of the flock. The girls look to him, instead of to you. They will be his pets.

Roosters can really become aggressive, and I am of the camp that believes that handling roosters make them worse, not better. They are not like puppies, whereas if you are good to them, they are good to you.

You want pets, you really want a hen only flock. Even if you wanted a rooster, I would strongly recommend waiting until you have a bit more chicken experience.

Mrs K

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

Thankyou, I had a feeling it would come down to this, I really didn't want roosters at all, just girls, and even if I did, it would be like a Cochin or something known for being nice. I will try to find good homes for both if it comes down to it Thanks.

 

[birdlover2]

Well, we ended up with 2 "pullets" who are actually cockerls, they were all intended to be pets, and I knew white Leghorn s tend to be flighty, but I also knew proper handling helps with that. One of our Leghorns, however, is a cockerl, Wich I've heard are aggressive. As soon as I realized I began holding him on my lap, and feeding him oats out of my hand.(with a towel on my lap, I learned that the hard way.) But he's still quite flighty, even with food involved. I also have a Jersey Giant cockerl, I think I might have to rehome him, he's not nice to me, or the younger chickens. There about 7 weeks, how long do I have, is there any way they will be the sweet little chickens I wanted?

Roosters can be the most aggressive in your flock, they can also be the friendliest and most attatched to you. My mother had a leghorn roo named George and he perched on her arm, he was friendly and the best rooster we ever had. I will tell you that if you wanted pets leghorns were not the right choice. They are egg production birds and are known for being flighty. They'll lay lots of eggs, and never get broody, which is a good thing for a first time chicken owner, I suppose, but the flightiness that comes with them being egg-laying machines does not make for friendly cuddly birds. We had a leghorn named Dove which I loved, but would never let me hold her, the rooster was the only one who would like to perch on my mother and be held.

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

Thanks, I really hope he turns out like that. Laia(the hen) likes to hang out, and is incredibly food motivated. She is sweet, and sits in my lap, I can't say that she likes people, but were on good terms as long as I bring a snack.

 

[Aunt Angus]

FWIW, the few Leghorn roosters I've encountered weren't mean at a all. It's the individual bird, not the breed, in my experience that determines the aggression. But handling has a part to play, too, but you'll find many differing views on that. Good luck with them I hope it all works itself out.

 

[birdlover2]

Thanks, I really hope he turns out like that. Laia(the hen) likes to hang out, and is incredibly food motivated. She is sweet, and sits in my lap, I can't say that she likes people, but were on good terms as long as I bring a snack.

Yes, treats are very motivating, and every chicken is an individual I'm praying for your rooster and hens to be friendly. Maybe you could teach her to do tricks

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

Thanks, I don't want to deal with mean rooster, I really hope he just ignores me, or better, likes me!

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

Yes, treats are very motivating, and every chicken is an individual I'm praying for your rooster and hens to be friendly. Maybe you could teach her to do tricks

She is so smart I bet she could lol.