Protective Rooster

[Zoom Zoom]

I have a 10 month RIR roo who I've babied, spoiled rotten and is very tame. However, he has become overprotective of his ladies. Sunday my brother let them out of the coop while we were out of town and was attacked three times before he could get out of the run. We thought it was because he was a stranger. BUT - Sunday afternoon I picked up one of the hens and he attacked me, came at me feet first. I put the hen down and had no more problems. He attacked me again just now. One of the hens jumped onto my lap and when I started petting her here he came, feet first. This can't continue. I need to put aprons on several hens, cut dried poops off of two hens and one of my BOs is all fluffed up so I need to check her out. I've read to carry him around for 10 mins or so and I've read to put my hand on his back and hold him on the ground. I've also read not to do that, just makes him worse. Can someone please tell me how to stop this behavior that has just started. I don't want to get rid of him, he is such a good watchdog and I'm also terribly attached to all of my chooks but I need to be able to pick the hens up. I'll try anything that might stop this so I don't have to get rid of him. Thanks so much.

 

[lazy gardener]

IMO, his behavior has progressed past the point of rehabilitation. But, if you want to try, you need to make him move out of your way. Carry a light switch with you, and where ever he happens to be standing, that's where YOU decide you want to stand. Use the switch to nudge his butt and make him move. Do this often, and keep him looking over his shoulder. He should be on the look out for you so he can get out of your way. When you feed treats, keep him away from the treats while the girls eat. Keep him out of the coop if you give treats in there. Don't let him in the coop when you gather eggs. Contact Bee Kissed. A lot of these suggestions are hers, and she has decades of chicken experience to draw from. If a couple of weeks of training don't rehabilitate him completely, it's time to invite him to dinner.

 

[meganelizabeth]

My rooster hasn't made physical contact with me yet. But I picked up on of the hens the other day and thank god my husband saw him because the rooster was about to come after me. He's made a few attempts to get me. At least he doesn't have his spurs! He just protecting his girls.I would try going it at night when they are all at their calmest! I've had several people tell me that that is the best time to do what needs to be done with them. Also maybe try crating him separately or making a a small pen inside your coop to put him in while you take care of the hens!

 

[lazy gardener]

The point is, if your rooster can't be trusted with people, he's a liability. Sooner or later, he's going to nail someone when they least expect it. And, a rooster who is human aggressive will be waiting for his chance.

 

[Folly's place]

Human aggressive roosters aren't worth having, and they are a danger to any person who comes in contact with them. Even if you convince him not to attack you, he'll still try, and attack anyone else. Not a good situation! He's stupid, or he wouldn't think that a huge creature who brings food is worthy of attacking! Just dumb, and likely to produce cockrels equally idiotic. I currently have six roosters in my flock, and they don't think I'm fair game no matter what I'm doing. Handling hens? Sure, no problem. Send him off for someone else's dinner if you can't eat him yourself, and try again this summer. And don't baby and spoil the next ones! Mary