Realistic expectations for roo attitude

[Amina]

I do offer him food just like the hens and chicks. He will eat it but acts wary. I think it seems to help, but I'm not sure. That being said, I don't offer the food once he's overtly threatened me (head and one wing down). I just routinely offer treats if I'm outside with them.

I do try to move slowly and avoid riling the hens and chicks. Except for the rooster we're talking about, they are all very friendly and don't freak out if handled. Some of them like to perch on my knee or arm, even if I don't have treats for them. The rooster is the only one that keeps his distance.

Thanks for the advice on how to handle them. I had already figured out from experience that the chicks do much better being picked up as long as I approach slowly from underneath (hand under the breast). I will keep this more in mind though and make sure I am more consistent with that.

I know the time he threatened me for handling the hen, I did not pick her up and did not act as if I would pick her up. I probably touched her back though, so maybe that's where I went wrong.

 

[Amina]

I checked out your other thread, Centarchid. That is really cool that you're able to take them to a classroom and let the kids interact with them!

 

[centrarchid]

I checked out your other thread, Centarchid. That is really cool that you're able to take them to a classroom and let the kids interact with them!

The challenge I get into with such events involves some participants be obviously scared of birds even though they say they are not. This is even common with adults that have had lots of experience with chickens. The same queues I pick up on indicating fear are easy for chickens to see as well.

Many times the interactions are totally outdoors. This coming week two events will occur where birds are taken to a field where folks will be asked to sit on ground so birds will approach more closely. Broodcock, hen and 4-week old biddies will walk among and even on people.