To each their own. However, my point is...every rooster has the capability of being what you call "mean" - they are protectors - this is their job. Likewise, every dog has the capability of being "mean", because they are protectors as well. If one learns to see through their eyes, the "meanest" you state can be avoided.
Very wise words, Tricia. Thanks for sticking up for roosters in your comments - very few do.
When considering the articles posted here that are empathetic to roosters, these articles are clearly written for people who WANT to make things work with their roosters.
So many people commenting on this thread have zero desire to make things work with their roosters - they'd rather just kill them. And if you're raising chickens for food or planning on killing some of your roosters no matter what, it makes sense that you'd kill the ones who are challenging you. That's what I would do in your position.
I think what the rest of us find so frustrating though is that a lot of people with that view seem to think that all the rest of us need to kill our roosters too, even though we don't want to, and they shame and ridicule people who look for or try other solutions.
I've personally never met an aggressive rooster I couldn't train with techniques like the ones in these articles. It's really not that hard when you understand rooster behavior and gain a little experience working with them.
And of course, different roosters have different genetics and every rooster you work with will be different than the one before - same with dogs. Training my shepherd was infinitely easier than training my maltese, but I got them both trained. Sure, I had to modify what I was doing with the maltese a bit, try different things - so it goes with roosters too.
When you approach working with roosters with the attitude of "I'm going to find something that works, and I'll keep trying," rather than an attitude of "Some roosters are just born bad," you actually do tend to find a solution that works. Like I said, I've never found a rooster I couldn't train. Someone here mentioned Rhode Island Reds - I had an ultra-aggressive one and guess what? Now he's a lap chicken! It's amazing what treats and a little empathy can do.
If you are a person who doesn't want to take the time or effort to work with a rooster, then don't, but please stop shaming and discouraging everybody else who does want to take the time and the effort. These techniques are proven and I know many other people who have also had success with them. So if people who love their roosters want to try to improve their relationships with them, why not just say, "Good luck!"
Last thing - if anyone at all is interested in working with roosters, check out the non-profit Roovolution. They have a great YouTube channel and podcast. They show how to work with problem roosters using only kind methods. They also will help people one-on-one who are having problems with their roosters. You can schedule a consultation with them on their website for free.
