Oddly Aggressive Rooster* *(Only when not being cuddled...)

[Henhouse Harlot]

It never ends well for those that bite the hand that feeds them.

Truth!

 

[Henhouse Harlot]

The sneak attacks are not good. In my opinion, when you are holding the bird and petting him, you are taking the lower place in the pecking order. He is sitting on your lap, which is rather like sitting on a hen. When you are standing up doing what ever, you are taking the dominant position, and he is objecting to that, and attacking you to bring you back in line.

I do not think you will successfully correct his behavior.

Mrs K

Perhaps I chose my words poorly before, my bad. Please let me explain; When I pick him up I tuck him under my arm securely, and then I pet him. Yes, he's sweet and cuddly, and he's never offered to bite when held. Still, I put him down on the ground before letting him go, and then gently push his head down into a position of submission. Once he relaxes, and "gives in", I let him up. Free to go. After these sessions, he's far better behaved!! Unfortunately, he's usually forgotten by the following day..

 

[Henhouse Harlot]

Picking one up that's flying up at you is challenging .They will try to counter attack and fly up at your face or spur you when trying to tame them.I strongly advise you to wear gloves.

This is solid advice, thank you This particular rooster is pretty tame, but the precaution is wise.

 

[Henhouse Harlot]

Thank you all, for the feedback!! More...?

 

[McChooky]

I suggest watching as many rooster taming videos as you can find.The longer he gets by with this the harder he will be to break.He'll do more for you than someone who didn't raise him. He won't be a good candidate for re-homing unfortunately. Not at his age.

 

[Henhouse Harlot]

I suggest watching as many rooster taming videos as you can find.The longer he gets by with this the harder he will be to break.He'll do more for you than someone who didn't raise him. He won't be a good candidate for re-homing unfortunately. Not at his age.

Good advice, my thanks

 

[Sunny the Chicken]

Perhaps I chose my words poorly before, my bad. Please let me explain; When I pick him up I tuck him under my arm securely, and then I pet him. Yes, he's sweet and cuddly, and he's never offered to bite when held. Still, I put him down on the ground before letting him go, and then gently push his head down into a position of submission. Once he relaxes, and "gives in", I let him up. Free to go. After these sessions, he's far better behaved!! Unfortunately, he's usually forgotten by the following day..

I'm actually in the EXACT same situation practically word-for-word. I saw some people saying that they're teaching their roosters that they're only the giant food-provider, so I started just giving him the sunflower seeds and letting him give it to his hens. It's kinda hard when his hens run 2x faster than him to the treats (they just snatch them all away before he even walks over so it sort of defeats the purpose).
(This morning he attacked me so I had to grab him and pin him and after that he tried to bite me but luckily he bit my sleeve instead....)

 

[Henhouse Harlot]

I'm actually in the EXACT same situation practically word-for-word. I saw some people saying that they're teaching their roosters that they're only the giant food-provider, so I started just giving him the sunflower seeds and letting him give it to his hens. It's kinda hard when his hens run 2x faster than him to the treats (they just snatch them all away before he even walks over so it sort of defeats the purpose).
(This morning he attacked me so I had to grab him and pin him and after that he tried to bite me but luckily he bit my sleeve instead....)

Thank you! It's very validating to hear I'm not alone. I absolutely love "Hey-Hey", the silly feather bag, even when he's a jerk! It sounds like I need to form some clear boundaries with him though. He really does need to understand that I'm the ultimate flock boss. Not that I want his job, not at all, but I do want his respect.
Any other ideas for convincing him I'm the Alpha..? The "rooster-be-good" submission hold works for a short while, but he forgets quickly.

 

[Sunny the Chicken]

Thank you! It's very validating to hear I'm not alone. I absolutely love "Hey-Hey", the silly feather bag, even when he's a jerk! It sounds like I need to form some clear boundaries with him though. He really does need to understand that I'm the ultimate flock boss. Not that I want his job, not at all, but I do want his respect.
Any other ideas for convincing him I'm the Alpha..? The "rooster-be-good" submission hold works for a short while, but he forgets quickly.

I think I saw some other people say their roosters change behavior after a year but I'm not really sure if that's true (mine's 9 months or something)

 

[McChooky]

My advice is keep him at a safe distance ( 3 ft) If he tries to come closer wave him away .
If he refuses to walk away catch him and hold him down until he submits Repeat this every time he gets within 3 ft. of you. Approach him as much as you like but don't allow him to approach you. Make him submit every time he approaches you.Its harder for him to attack you from farther away This doesn't guarantee he'll stop attacking you but you'll have more time to respond.He may try to run at you.