Needing suggestions for a naughty Roo

[bobbi-j]

You don't have a "naughty roo". You have a human aggressive cockerel who could injure one of your children if things don't change. Personally, I think learning where food comes from is an important life lesson. As is learning that not all animals can be pets. If you can't butcher him, then move him along with full disclosure.

 

[BantyChooks]

You don't have a "naughty roo". You have a human aggressive cockerel who could injure one of your children if things don't change. Personally, I think learning where food comes from is an important life lesson. As is learning that not all animals can be pets. If you can't butcher him, then move him along with full disclosure.

Agreed...

I had a human aggressive cockerel once that I adored. I didn't have the fortitude to do 'it' myself, so I sold him for dinner. I felt bad chickening out, but I really did like him.

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

Using the techniques below, I successfully trained my human aggressive rooster to stop attacking me.

If he challenged me in any way (walking up to me with his wing down, puffing himself up when he was near me, crowing at me, etc.) I stomped my foot right by him or chased him. I walked toward him and made him move around me. I grabbed him and held him to the ground until he stopped struggling. If he showed any challenging behavior at all, I would stomp my foot at him or chase him away consistently. This really helped him learn to respect me. Today, Griffin respects me a lot, even so much that he is hard to catch. I hope this helped you with your rooster.

 

[bobbi-j]

Using the techniques below, I successfully trained my human aggressive rooster to stop attacking me.

If he challenged me in any way (walking up to me with his wing down, puffing himself up when he was near me, crowing at me, etc.) I stomped my foot right by him or chased him. I walked toward him and made him move around me. I grabbed him and held him to the ground until he stopped struggling. If he showed any challenging behavior at all, I would stomp my foot at him or chase him away consistently. This really helped him learn to respect me. Today, Griffin respects me a lot, even so much that he is hard to catch. I hope this helped you with your rooster.

The rooster (cockerel) in the OP's post has already attacked their children. In my opinion, that's reason right there not to keep him. I don't know how old these kids are, but if they are little, there is risk of serious injury. Not worth it in my opinion. I know you love roosters, but not every one is a keeper. That's reality.

 

[Crooked Chicken]

I agree with all that said you need to get rid of the rooster. If you are not breeding, you don't need a rooster for eggs. If you do with to breed, there are a lot of good roosters out there.

I am in the same boat, except that I ended up with 3 cockerels and 9 pullets. One is very good with the girls and everyone else. The other 2, both EE, have become much more aggressive with me. One of them has been my spoiled mama's boy, but even he has crossed the line too many times recently. Those 2 are going to get butchered out this weekend hopefully.

They can be sweet as pie one minute and stalking you, side stepping, and lunging at you the next. I am certain that it's hormonal. They want to mate in the worst way, but the even girls think they are too aggressive.

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

The rooster (cockerel) in the OP's post has already attacked their children. In my opinion, that's reason right there not to keep him. I don't know how old these kids are, but if they are little, there is risk of serious injury. Not worth it in my opinion. I know you love roosters, but not every one is a keeper. That's reality.

I noticed no one had given the OP any advice on training the rooster to not be aggressive. I was just giving them another option if they want to try it.

 

[bobbi-j]

I noticed no one had given the OP any advice on training the rooster to not be aggressive. I was just giving them another option if they want to try it.

There were a couple of suggestions on how to manage him. And if there weren't small kids already being attacked, I'd be more supportive of the idea. But aggressive roosters have ruined the chicken experience for many a young child. Some have even caused injuries.

 

[Gray Farms]

The OP wanted an easy way to solve the problem. True that training them to respect you does work very well "I've done it myself". But its a long, drawn out process. Not recommended for an aggressive rooster that is around children.

 

[aart]

Even with retraining him, your children would also have to be trained in the same techniques, so that he learned to not just respect you but also respect them.

Actually it's the humans, both adults and kids, that need to be trained first. Starting with not 'cuddling' male birds after about 6 weeks old, handling males minimally with proper attitude from that age on.

 

[Bogtown Chick]

Being new to chickens and having a number of years under the belt gives different positions on the matter. Living and Learning definitely happening here.
I agree aart. The little cockerels growing up will distance themselves and that is your cue to let them be. I believe centrachid has noted that if you have brooder chicks that are often kept in a 'pet scenario' beyond a certain point they also become demanding of scratch/treats and when not met on those food demands at every turn (because they are food driven) aggression can start in. I think if roosters are a little afraid of you and give you a wide berth that's where you need to be. I'm a soft hearted with my birds and have 'been there' -trust me. But with the roos now, it has become easier to let them go to their next purpose. But if you haven't done it before you have to explore your feelings on it and often do hard things. And it is hard. I never like doing the job of culling/butchering. But for the betterment of the flock and my chores each day tending to my flock and family: I don't like issues. So it is done.
I get my birds from breeders now, also. I don't show...but it is for lack of aggression in the roos (not all-but better) and egg laying longevity in the hens.