Raising a “Nice Roo” do’s and Do nots. Please help! I want to keep him 4ever.

[Broke chicken lady]

I have what I believe is a baby roo about 2 weeks old and 75% of the time when I go to get him out of the brooder to interact with or give some outside time he will bite me several times. It don’t hurt now but It will one day if it continues. How do I let him know that it is not ok? Or is this possible. I want to keep him but not if he is going to be a real cock!

 

[Ms Clucky]

I would try to put bread in your hand when you reach down to pick him up. Maybe he will be nicer after a while.

 

[jolenesdad]

Are these your first chickens or do you have older ones?

 

[Folly's place]

Some pullets can be like this too, and either way, what you want to do is peck back, fast and several times, hard enough to be uncomfortable but not cause harm. Peck peck peck! It's what another bird would do, so this chick will understand immediately.
Also, don't hand feed! Especially not this bird, who shouldn't get a food reward for this behavior! Throw treats on the ground, if you are doing treats (and they have grit, right?) so your hand isn't a target.
If this is a cockerel, it's not a good sign, but act now, and see if this behavior stops.
Mary

 

[Broke chicken lady]

Are these your first chickens or do you have older ones?

I have 4 more that are around 2 months old. But that’s all. He has 1 chick in the cage with him. Same age.

 

[Broke chicken lady]

Some pullets can be like this too, and either way, what you want to do is peck back, fast and several times, hard enough to be uncomfortable but not cause harm. Peck peck peck! It's what another bird would do, so this chick will understand immediately.
Also, don't hand feed! Especially not this bird, who shouldn't get a food reward for this behavior! Throw treats on the ground, if you are doing treats (and they have grit, right?) so your hand isn't a target.
If this is a cockerel, it's not a good sign, but act now, and see if this behavior stops.
Mary

They do have grit. Ty

 

[jolenesdad]

I have 4 more that are around 2 months old. But that’s all. He has 1 chick in the cage with him. Same age.

So first of all I would just suggest not keeping the cockerel. Exceptions to every rule, but in general, first time chicken keepers and a cockerel raised amongst same age chickens, do not mix well.

it will be fabetter to raise a cockerel amongst your flock of older hens next season. They’ll teach him far more than you can.

if you must give it a go, absolutely hands off on this bird for now. You’re rewarding what will turn out to horrendous behavior. Spend the next few days reading through some of the great articles on the site here about raising a cockerel. Best of luck!!!!