Papa roo was violant. Do I need to watch for that in babies?

[gtaus]

I just found out that the father of my eggs (A barred rock) ended up in the freezer after attacking a 4 year old. He's always been very aggressive, but this is his first attack on record.

I talked to a guy who breeds chickens. If he sees any behavior that he does not want in his flock, he immediately culls the bird. He told me that he believes it is his responsibility only to pass on genetics of those birds with superior quality and behavior.

Obviously, his bar is set very high for his birds. But I would imagine that chicks from an agressive rooster might be more likely than not to also be aggressive. So I would not consider them for breeding and I would be willing to cull them if needed. I would not put up with any chicken that was aggressive to me or others. So, if they turn out to be the sweetest chickens you ever had, then I would say you were very lucky and I hope you enjoy them.

 

[gtaus]

...People should not be part of the flock!...
It's also true that management plays a role, but trying to 'fix' a jerk, just isn't worth it.

I am hand feeding my hens, but not most of the time. I think I understand your statement that people should not be part of the flock. But I am actively trying to "tame" my hens so they don't automatically run from me. Is there a balance somewhere?

Hen or rooster, a jerk is not to be tolerated in my flock either. And I would not waste much effort on it. I have other birds to care for so I am willing to cull as necessary for the health of the flock, and myself. There are threads of people reeducating a jerk rooster, but to me, it would not be worth the effort.

 

[gtaus]

No wonder they mob you, it's the hand feeding. I scatter stuff on the ground, call them, and stand or sit and watch. My hands aren't in the line of fire.

I am hand feeding treats to my 10 week old pullets. But as they get older, the pecking is harder. If I give them something small, like scratch feed, I put it in a tuna can and hold that in my hand.

Are you suggesting that we should not hand feed our birds? And, if so, what is the rationale because I thought hand feeding was a positive thing to do. Thanks.

 

[aart]

Hand feeding is fine, if done in moderation and not allowing any 'bad manners' - both while hand feeding and in other situations. Familiarity can breed contempt.

 

[Folly's place]

x2! There's a line to be drawn between 'interest' and obnoxious pushy behaviors, including pecking. Watching hens, nobody pecks the boss hen!
I'm happy to interact with my birds, but still want my personal space respected, and my roosters to really respect my space. They should be watching for predators, finding goodies for their hens, and paying attention to them.
I also wear shoes, not sandals, and usually jeans, not shorts.
Mary

 

[Tatuana]

These chicks aren't going to breed. They're being kept on a farm for bug control. I'm HOPING they'll settle down. They don't seem to aggressive, really, just easy to frenzy. After my last herd that was so friendly it's a massive change. I hope that since I've handled them since day 1 that they won't attack anyone. Nippy is bad enough.

The good news is, they have an ant farm in my yard they adore. They take their aggression out digging for ants for the time being. Although my possible roos are still trying to go at it. One got a feather pulled earlier.