My rooster is a duck...

[Artichoke Lover]

Thank you for your advice. Do you think I can at least do something to help him to not be so afraid of me? I like my chickens to be friendly. We don’t ever eat them. Some people have roosters that are wonderful pets and I don’t know how they accomplish that. Except maybe raising them as babies only?

Food is a good idea so is just going and spending time around the coop if you have time to do it. Take a book or maybe some paperwork, maybe answer your emails take a folding chair or bucket sit one and just hang out. Just like you would any other unsocialized animal like a dog or cat. Also talk to him to get him used to your voice.

 

[janiedoe]

I don’t think he has a physical problem. He appears very healthy, though quite thin compared to my plump hens. He just walks really weird. With each step his feet are raised so high. I will check the bottom of his feet tonight, the only time I can touch him. I thought he was just trying to be a duck.

It sounds more like a joint problem. I know some diseases can cause the "high step".
( I read a lot and had one hatch with a disability.) I hope he will be ok. If you can post a video there are people that can help you figure it out such as @casportpony

 

[Chickassan]

Well said.

Once hormones hit he's either going to be nice and respectful of you, or he is not. How you handle him has nothing to do with how he will turn out.

We had 2 cockerels raised exactly the same way. One is the perfect gentleman, the other was abusive towards the hens and started to challenge our 10 year old son. We kept the gentleman.

At 5 months your cockerel is still a baby. Over the next few months he will start to mature and establish his place in the flock, if he has some manners. Hens and laying pullets won't give him the time of day, and will in fact run him off if he misbehaves or thinks to challenge them, until he has matured.