My chick doesn’t like to be held

[Cheychey222]

Chickens don't really like to be stroked/petted.
Handle them once in a while, but let them be most the time.

Yes that’s what I was trying to say

 

[ChocolateMouse]

I would also DEEPLY advocate for a relatively hands off. After having raised a few batches of roosters a few different ways I find that hands-off NO petting, lifting only if you have business (get him out of the way, health check, etc.), no hand feeding, don't let him peck you, etc. creates a MUCH more stable minded rooster in regards to people interactions.

This doesn't really result in a "pet" chicken, it will never climb on your lap eagerly. But it DOES usually result in a respectful chicken. This matters a lot with roosters, not so much with hens who you can generally dote on to your hearts content. The bond you form with the rooster makes it easy for him to see you as part of his flock - especially as a dominant rooster (provider of food etc.). Thus, some roosters are happy to attack you and spur you. There have been many reports of genuinely serious injuries via mean rooster, like the lady who got spurred an inch deep right next to her spine, or kids who have had to have stitches to close up big head wounds. A mean rooster is a very real problem.

I think the most stable relationship between a rooster and a human is that between a horse (person) and a squirrel (roo). Neither are at odds with each other, they're not a threat, they don't care about what each other is doing. But you better believe when the horse starts to move, even towards it's tree, the squirrel isn't going to get in the way or try to fight the horse! And this is achieved by letting the rooster build respect for your boundaries instead of get close to you.

 

[Cheychey222]

How many cockerels have you had success with raising in this manner? I'm just curious.

15

 

[DobieLover]

15

And all 15 came out non-human aggressive by being handled? That's impressive.

 

[Cheychey222]

And all 15 came out non-human aggressive by being handled? That's impressive.

One did attack hens, roosters and people at one point. But we tamed him by giving him a lot more attention

 

[Cheychey222]

So I’m just saying what worked for me

 

[Cheychey222]

But it might be different for you

 

[ChickenKiera]

Ok I’m really sorry if anyone gets annoyed by this but I am a bit confused about what to do with Pippin now because I want to do the best thing that will not make him aggressive (or the best thing that I can do to reduce the aggressiveness).
There is also another rooster (Bertie) who is the same age as Pippin (7 weeks old) and they have both been together since they were hatched and Bertie is much tamer than him (like when you pick Bertie up he will fall asleep). So I just thought I’d say that if it helps with anything, I don’t know what.
So overall, what is the best thing to do with the chicks to not make them aggressive roosters when they are older (and I know about their hormones and how I won’t be able to stop it) and I am sorry if I am annoying annoying but this is actually my first time with roosters so I want to do everything right and thank you for everyone helping me

 

[Cheychey222]

Ok I’m really sorry if anyone gets annoyed by this but I am a bit confused about what to do with Pippin now because I want to do the best thing that will not make him aggressive (or the best thing that I can do to reduce the aggressiveness).
There is also another rooster (Bertie) which he has been with since he was hatched and Bertie is much tamer than him (like when you pick Bertie up he will fall asleep). So I just thought I’d say that if it helps with anything, I don’t know what.
So overall, what is the best thing to do with the chicks to not make them aggressive roosters when they are older (and I know about their hormones and how I won’t be able to stop it) and I am sorry if I am annoying annoying but this is actually my first time with roosters so I want to do everything right and thank you for everyone helping me

It’s not annoying, and we are all trying to help you. We understand that with so many different answers it may be confusing

 

[aart]

Chickens don't really like to be stroked/petted.
Handle them once in a while, but let them be most the time.

Yes that’s what I was trying to say

Except you've said both lots of attention and now not so much. SMH.

It doesn’t matter what breed of chicken it is if you want it to like being held keep petting him and give him lots of attention

Don’t mess with “him” to much. But also give him attention like petting and holding.