Overagressive mating rooster, where do you draw that line?

[fisherlady]

In my opinion, cold and frosty. I'm not that concerned about the hens backs (he could still grow out of that) but don't tolerate a human aggressive rooster. I don't know how old your kids are but he could get out. It's not worth the chance when there are plenty of other roosters around that are not human aggressive.

I gotta agree with the rest...

And yes, it won't be easy, but the flock and family will both be better off for it.
I had to cull my favorite Roo a few months ago, he was just way to hard on the hens, even though he was people friendly... and we have another roo I think is headed to freezer camp in the very near future for the same reason. It's not worth risking injury to humans or hens.

 

[sourland]

I'm in agreement with the other posters. With children around, it's just not worth taking the chance. Also since likes frequently begets like, there is a strong probability that any sons would be as bad as he is.

 

[fisherlady]

.... Also since likes frequently begets like, there is a strong probability that any sons would be as bad as he is.

Very good point! I wouldn't be wanting to continue breeding that trait into a backyard flock.... so if you want to hatch your own chicks in the future find another good natured fellow.

 

[Indigosands]

Very true. I have 4 of his chicks right now ( a test run group to see what I'd get) but I don't plan on keeping any. I was already planning on replacing him with a nice blue wheaten AM roo.

 

[fisherlady]

Sounds good!

Best of luck with your flock development! It is always a 'work in progress', that's for sure!

 

[Hummingbird Hollow]

I had to cull my first and only rooster this fall. He was OK with me, but a brute to the hens. He just chased them all over the place, no dancing or courtship rituals just all out chase. From the minute I opened the pop door in the morning he was off. Egg production was way down and one poor girl had open wounds on her back and sides.

May I recommed you try a good Coc au Vi recipie! Now my boy was a Freedom Ranger and weighed in at almost 8 pounds dressed and an EE probably won't make quite the feast, but the meal was great and the leftover broth (made with a bottle of red wine) has been used in other dishes and gravy since.

 

[Indigosands]

Ugh, my 10 year old is in tears over this as dh and I ordered lung scrapers, sharp boning knives and other things this afternoon. The rooster hates him and he loves it still.

 

[Marty1876]

My kids have had that problem, of loving the "wrong boy" as such. Usually, I just let them try to "tame him down" by removing him from the hens for at least 2 weeks. They are ususally too scared of the naughty roo to mess with him, so then they relent and he is despatched promptly. I have had success a few times with special roos that were worth the trouble of retaiming, but honestly, it usually has no effect. I suggest keeping 2 roos in the future.

If that doesn't work, you can offer to let him pick the next roo, but explain to him what that naughty roo can do to his skin (puncture would and scrapes are the norm). Maybe find some pics online of rooster injuries to people. That might help.

 

[aoxa]

Ugh, my 10 year old is in tears over this as dh and I ordered lung scrapers, sharp boning knives and other things this afternoon. The rooster hates him and he loves it still.

Offer your 10 year old a nice new hen to make up for the rooster who is really causing harm to your son and your hens.

 

[Hummingbird Hollow]

It is hard. Roosters are such fine, handsome creatures. Since my kids are all teens and young adults, and since I'm the only one who cares for the chickens anyway, I may have been tempted to put up with a bit of aggressive behavior towards me, but he was hurting and stressing out the hens, and I couldn't allow that. While your 10 year old may be sad, he his old enough to learn the responsibility of responsibile animal ownership and that sometimes, you have to make difficult decisions for the good family...or flock.

When I was marching up to the hen house to "do the deed" with my rooster, the scene from Old Yeller was playing in my head, "He's my dog Ma. I'll do it!". Has your son seen Old Yeller?? If not, perhaps it is time. Good luck.