Off with his head???

[Summer_Dawn]

So, our current situation: we picked up 10 chicks in May (straight run) and ended up for 4 roosters. We had 2 who were being aggressive with the ladies (keeping them up in a tree all day, not letting them eat, etc.) so those 2 met their demise over the weekend... We had high hopes for our australorp rooster we have left - he calls the girls for treats, does a great job of protecting them from predators - and the ladies are much, much happier with him. Unfortunately, he has started going after my 10 year old daughter. She told us that he was chasing her, but we kind of thought she was embellishing and that he was probably only coming over to her to see if she had treats for them. Today, I saw it firsthand. I was out with her and she literally climbed up my back to get away from him and he was still coming at me to get to her! He has only ever gone after her - he has never (until I was holding her) gone after me, my husband, or our 6 year old son. I kicked him probably 3 times, but he would stop trying to get her until I could reach a broom. It was probably super funny to see, but my daughter is terrified and I don't know what to do.

He's good for the girls, but we can't have him going after our daughter. We don't have a run and can't really build one where we're living, so they kind of have free range of the yard (over an acre cleared) but they stay pretty close to the house, I'm guessing mostly for protection.

So, he's only 4.5 months old. Is he only going to get worse as he gets older? What could it be about her that he is threatened by? Does anyone have a free-range, rooster-free flock that does ok? I'm pretty set on getting rid of our other rooster already. He's just too neurotic to be helpful for just about anyone, so the australorp is our only hope at this point!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Unless you plan to hatch eggs in the spring there is no reason to keep any rooster. A lead hen will warn of predators just as a rooster will.
Personal experience with a child and roosters is that the rooster can reach their face. No need to EVER risk the child's safety.
He goes after her pretty doggedly from your description.

I say "Off with his head!".

 

[Summer_Dawn]

Thanks everyone. My daughter was really upset at the thought of getting rid of him as if it was her fault. But after I told her that the he could seriously injure our 15 lb terrier mix (especially once he gets his spurs), she was pretty ok with it!

 

[Summer_Dawn]

Thanks...you both confirmed my thoughts. We aren't planning on hatching chicks so we don't need him for breeding purposes, mostly just keeping him for protection since we're out in the country. But if the lead hen will take over, I think I'm ok with axing him. We're chicken newbies and I am so happy to have found this board. Thanks for the help!

 

[bobbi-j]

Thanks...you both confirmed my thoughts. We aren't planning on hatching chicks so we don't need him for breeding purposes, mostly just keeping him for protection since we're out in the country. But if the lead hen will take over, I think I'm ok with axing him. We're chicken newbies and I am so happy to have found this board. Thanks for the help!

I'm out in the country. 20 miles from town in the country. Due to other predator attacks this summer, I was down to 3 hens, a full grown rooster and a cockerel (rooster under 1 year old). At least, that's what I had when I left for work this morning. When I came home, DH told me that he found a dead hen in the driveway. Head completely eaten off, neck picked clean and some back meat eaten. (I'm guessing hawk). Read that again - TWO males, and I still ended up with a dead HEN. Some roosters may alert or protect, but it's not a guarantee that your flock will be safe. I'd give him the axe.

 

[21hens-incharge]

You are welcome.

My little Cochin spent several years as head hen. She alerts to hawks and cats and loose dogs very well. As she aged she lost rank and is in a different coop but still alerts.

Be confident in your hens ability to see danger. They are very good at it.

 

[FrankHomestead]

What a jerk! I bet he'll taste the best of all

 

[21hens-incharge]

Totally NOT her fault at all!

If she wants to get some "pet" chickens I would encourage her to do so. I have never met a mean or nasty bantam Cochin rooster.

I adore my feather footed little Cochin's.

 

[Folly's place]

Next spring, with new chicks, you might get a nice cockerel. Don't try to make him a pet! Your adult hens will humble him and help make him a more polite individual, and there are many cockerels who are NOT human aggressive, so better luck next year, or another time. Mary

 

[aart]

My daughter was really upset at the thought of getting rid of him as if it was her fault.

It wasn't her fault, but male chickens should be treated differently than females from the time you know it's a male(about 6 wks). IMO It's about the humans demeanor more than the bird...humans have to be calm, confident, and in charge. Our fear/anxiety can make them nervous, and that can trigger the fight part of 'flight or fight'. Harder for some folks to learn, especially young kids. Maybe in the future.

Kudos @Summer_Dawn for taking care of the problem and helping her deal with it.
First year is the hardest, so much to learn.