New rooster

[Pork Pie]

Hi, it seems like he is doing just fine. Its all a matter of choice, but like some of the posts above, i personally prefer to leave roos alone and not pet them etc. I did do this with my first roo, and whilst it was not necessarily the cause, he started to be aggressive towards me so he ended up as dinner. The second one i had, i made sure that he was ok in my presence, but that he kept well away from me at all times (i used a water pistol to condition this behaviour) as a means to preventing any unwanted behaviour. He did fine.

Theres no right or wrong way to approach this or many chicken keeping issues, so please just consider this as one persons way of doing things.

I hope he continues to be a friendly roo - he sure is handsome!

All the best
CT

 

[azygous]

He's certainly a very handsome Cuckoo Marans. You've really lucked out because the two Cuckoo Marans cockerels I have had this past year have been rather "intense", and even challenging. One of them even was inclined to try to bite me.

Ideally, a rooster should be calm around you but not interested in approaching you. In fact, you really want him to avoid you, getting out of your way when you walk in his direction. This indicates he respects you and wishes to defer to you.

Beware the rooster that focuses his attentions on you, confronting you and "dancing" around you, especially liking to sneak up on you from behind. That's an indication he doesn't trust and respect you.

From what you describe, you have a real gem. Whatever you're doing, keep it up.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I thought he was a Dominique.

 

[torilovessmiles]

I thought he was a Dominique.

x2, definitely a Dominique with that comb

 

[KimPahl]

Yes, he's a Dominique.

Thanks for the info guys...you've been very helpful. I'm glad to know we got a good one for our first roo!!!!!