I agree with Ranchhand to some degree. I have two flocks of chickens. My first flock consist of 11 hens & 1 roo. My roo goes ballistic when I mess with his girls. So, I don't mess with them except when their on the roost. I then check them for mites, lice, or any other problem they maybe having. I agree with my roo he's there 24/7 with his girls & takes care of them. I always tell the roo their your baby's you take care of them. But my second flock of 30 their around 2 months old & I intermingle with them because their young. I do hold them & they jump all over me etc.. I'm thinking I have around 24 pullets & 6 cocks. I hope!!! I will find homes for the extra roos & keep only 2 roo's. Once the roo's are old enough to take care of their girls I'll gladly walk away. I'd rather sit in my golf cart & watch them. After all they really only want me for food & water.