Need advice for my Silkie Rooster

[GreenAcres40]

I purchased 4 Silkies from a breeder. They ranged in age from 2-4 months. Assuming that I had all hens, I named them. Miss Daisy is the one I am having trouble with. He is now about 9 months old and he's a rooster that attacks my legs whenever, I go in their yard to feed or to open the coop so they can run around. My husband can go in and pick him up and he calms down. I can't seem to pick him up while he is attacking my leg. I don't get it. I'm the one that feeds him. They get rice, noodles, veggies, etc. He has been doing this off and on for about a month now. It's getting worse as each day goes by. Not sure what to do. Any suggestions?

 

[sourland]

Welcome, sorry that it is under these circumsances. Being nice to him won't adjust his attitude. He's all about subordinating you and protecting his flock. You are bigger and must convince him that you are dominant. When he comes at you, force him to the ground and hold him there firmly until he stops struggling. When you let him up, if he attacks again - force him to the ground. It will be a battle of wills, but you can win. Wear gloves and a long sleeved shirt if you feel that is necessary. You could also scoop him up in a short handled fishing net and subordinate him that way. Kicking, pushing just feed his desire to attack. Good luck at convincing him that you are the boss.

 

[GreenAcres40]

Thank you for the advice and for welcoming me. I will give it a shot at tonight's feeding.

Wish me luck.

Hopefully, I don't look like that when I'm trying to hold him down.

Hee Hee, Thanks again.

 

[sourland]

Well, who won?

 

[GreenAcres40]

Ok. Here we go, I was so ready. Jeans, Boots, gloves, I had the attitude of, I have had enough. I go in with the platter of food and placed it in front of him and Nothing happened! I even stood there for a couple of minutes waiting. I was relieved because, my heart was pounding but, disappointed at the same time because, I was fully armored and ready. Lol.

I'm sure he will be ready for me in the morning when, I'm sleep walking to open the coop.

 

[sourland]

There is a lot to be said about body language. You went out there with a 'don't mess with me' attitude, and he read you. Keep us posted on how things go. First round to Ms GreenAcre40.

 

[sourland]

Time for an update.

 

[GreenAcres40]

Thank you so much for the support. I have waited a few days to respond because, all is going well and he hasn't attached my legs. The more I thought about it, I used to walk around him and not toward him because, honestly he scared me. I now have been walking towards him with my gloves on (just in case) and all is good so far. I didn't realize my body posture was the problem and honestly, I didn't think chickens were all that smart to notice. But, I guess they are smarter than I gave them credit for. In the meantime, I am still going to keep my guard up just in case he feels like loosing it. Thank you so much for your encouraging words. It truly has helped me to feel more confident in knowing what to do when my rooster attacks.

 

[GuineaMama]

I have a Silkie Roo that does this same thing. If I have jeans on I don't care as he can't hurt me, but if I have shorts or capris on he scratches. I took to carrying a lightweight broom in with me. If he decides to be fiesty then I put the broom between us and he can get fiesty with that. It's really quite funny to watch him try to get the best of a broom.

None of my bigger roosters even try to mess with me, but the little guy thinks he's boss. You just have to show them you have more rank.

 

[sourland]

Well done!

Don't let your guard down - he will most likely test you in the future. You will be ready for him.