Nasty Rooster Behavior

[Free Feather]

Just because something is easier does not make it the right decision. He might not 'improve', that might just be his personality. He probably does not understand why he should have to like people.
Think of it from a chicken's point of view: some strange person tells me when I can go out of the pen, picks up my hens, and controls the food. He/She thinks they can just walk in and mess with my family and tell me what to do?
If you look at it that way, the rooster is protecting his family whether the person is bigger than him are not. That is brave. Most people may not see it as bravery and strength, but it really is. Often times "nice" roosters are either afraid of the person, or they just do not feel as protective of their hens. Just show him that you are stronger and he might not think it worth it anymore to attack you. But, the fact that he has the courage to try is beneficial when it comes to protecting the hens from predators. That is a good rooster that acts more like a true jungle chicken than a "nice" rooster.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I've had a very nice cockbird. Never even raised his hackles toward me and still did his job as protector admirably. Held off a huge silver backed male skunk for ten minutes until noticed and I got out there to push it out of the run.

The person that brings food and manages the flock is not a threat and should not be attacked. Protection and aggression are two different things.

 

[Nupe]

Just because something is easier does not make it the right decision.

Eating your own chicken is not a wrong decision. Not everyone keeps chickens for pets. Personally, I refuse to keep an animal I'd always have to watch my back around, especially when they go so well with dumplings.

 

[Alyssa23]

The best thing to do is spend more time with all chicks and chickens the more he sees people the more he'll like them

 

[keesmom]

Think of it from a chicken's point of view: some strange person tells me when I can go out of the pen, picks up my hens, and controls the food. He/She thinks they can just walk in and mess with my family and tell me what to do?

Yes, that is exactly what I expect out of my cockerels and roosters. Stay out of my way while I care for them, be it feeding or watering them, or submit while I check all of them over for parasites. I don't want to be watching my back for attacks. Or in one case my eyes.

 

[Nupe]

The best thing to do is spend more time with all chicks and chickens the more he sees people the more he'll like them

This doesn't always work. My rooster was a sweetie up until the point he became the dominant roo. Then it was like flipping a switch Once he was in charge, I was no longer welcomed in his harem. He started attacking me. I'd teach him a lesson and he'd be good for a few weeks but inevitably he would catch me with my back turned or hands full and lay into me. The last time he did it I was already set up to process a dozen meaties the next day, so I processed 12 meaties and a meanie.

 

[dekel18042]

Nice roosters usually aren't afraid of their humans and they will protect their hens from danger. I'm actually impressed with the things chickens can tell apart. A fox appears and the warning cry goes up yet my dogs which include shelties which can appear foxlike can walk among the chickens.
And I'm impressed with how my roosters are nice to smaller and younger birds. Usually they're nicer than the hens which surprises me.

 

[Free Feather]

Nice roosters usually aren't afraid of their humans and they will protect their hens from danger. I'm actually impressed with the things chickens can tell apart. A fox appears and the warning cry goes up yet my dogs which include shelties which can appear foxlike can walk among the chickens.
And I'm impressed with how my roosters are nice to smaller and younger birds. Usually they're nicer than the hens which surprises me.

I said "often times", not always. Typically a mean rooster is a better flock protector. Jungle chickens were not friendly towards people, I am sure, and they had a good enough reason to stay away from larger animals or attack them.

Really think about it, with all biases aside:
Should the rooster trust you? If you kill and eat chickens, why should he trust you? It is one thing to kill them and understand them being aggressive towards you, but it is a whole 'nother opened can when you kill them while demanding "respect".

This doesn't always work. My rooster was a sweetie up until the point he became the dominant roo. Then it was like flipping a switch Once he was in charge, I was no longer welcomed in his harem. He started attacking me. I'd teach him a lesson and he'd be good for a few weeks but inevitably he would catch me with my back turned or hands full and lay into me. The last time he did it I was already set up to process a dozen meaties the next day, so I processed 12 meaties and a meanie.

 

[Nupe]

Really think about it, with all biases aside:
Should the rooster trust you? If you kill and eat chickens, why should he trust you? It is one thing to kill them and understand them being aggressive towards you, but it is a whole 'nother opened can when you kill them while demanding "respect".

I'm sorry, but I've processed chicken not 10 feet from my hen house and they all stood at the fence watching me. When I approached it, still wearing my bloody apron, they still rushed the gate expecting treats. I don't believe for a second that they possess that kind of cognitive reasoning.

 

[Free Feather]

I'm sorry, but I've processed chicken not 10 feet from my hen house and they all stood at the fence watching me. When I approached it, still wearing my bloody apron, they still rushed the gate expecting treats. I don't believe for a second that they possess that kind of cognitive reasoning.

I do not think they understand that a lot of times. They have not had media or others explain to them what dead or killed is like humans have had their parents, books, elders, and television tell them. But, when they know something is dangerous, they are afraid of it. When you say they do not possess "that kind" of reasoning, do you meant that they do not know to fear a predator, or that they do not realize what you are doing?

But still, why should he trust you?