Once shy rooster suddenly friendly and social

[beasknees]

Our flock consists of 12 hens and 3 roosters. Two of the roosters are barred rocks (one is dominant and one is second in command) and the other is a bantam with no authority. The roosters have always stayed on the edge of the flock and kept watch when we are giving treats and attention while the hens gobble up everything. Now the dominant rooster joins for treats and we can even hand feed him. Is this strange? Is there a chance he can become agressive? He is very gentle taking food, it's just sudden and different.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would certainly keep my eye on him. Forward behavior from a rooster can be a dominant action, or it can just be he wants some treats. Age can play a big factor. Roosters older than a year are less like to try dominating their keeper. After mine reach 2 years of age I don't think twice about them.

That being said I wouldn't hand feed a rooster. I toss the stuff to mine to not give the message that he's allowed in my personal space, which would mean I was submissive.

 

[beasknees]

Thanks for the insight. He is a little over a year old. We will watch him. Hopefully he stays kind.

 

[Folly's place]

Old Hen is right! Roosters should respect your space, move out of your way, and not challenge you IN ANY WAY! If he's 'dancing' or sidling up to you, that's also not good. Stop the hand feeding, and make sure that he moves away from you as you walk 'through' him, and generally act like the big tall bringer of food that you are. Mary

 

[beasknees]

Old Hen is right!  Roosters should respect your space, move out of your way, and not challenge you IN ANY WAY!  If he's 'dancing' or sidling up to you, that's also not good.  Stop the hand feeding, and make sure that he moves away from you as you walk 'through' him, and generally act like the big tall bringer of food that you are.  Mary

He has not challenged us and still moves out of our way. We have had some nasty roosters in the past, none started out like this. This is a new one on us.

 

[biophiliac]

Your Avatar is adorable

 

[Folly's place]

My 'friendliest' cockerels generally (always!) turned into human aggressive jerks as they matured. Hope your boy remains well behaved. Mary