Roo attitude?

[mommaEchols]

My sweet RIR roo, around 20 weeks old is normally a baby doll.. until yesterday, when he decided that he doesnt want to play so nice anymore? He has taken to chasing me around( literally chasing me around with me high stepping it the entire way across the yard).. hubby walked out and fell on the ground laughing at me..when he decided to come help me handle the the roadrunner, he pecked at my feet a few times before my hubby ran him off. Again this evening when I went out to take the flock a treat, he chased me down again. As I ran for cover, him pecking my feet as I ran away, tossing the snack away I wondered what is going on? I know that about this age they are changing, but hoping this is just a weird phase, that wont last? I adore this guy, and he is so great usually, and with the hens too.. Is this normal? or am I just making mountains out of molehils? I admit to needing the excersise but goodness he sure can run fast

 

[nbenevento]

You should be worried. This is serious. You probably babied him and held him as he was growing up. He now, and rightfully so, thinks he is the boss of you. You either need to change this thought process for him or he needs to be next weeks dinner. When a roo hits that age, his hormones kick in and he is no longer your pet. He is doing his job of protecting his flock. To be honest, you need to put him in his place. When I say that, I mean you need to go after him. You can try stomping at him and chasing him but sometimes to save him, you have to make contact and let him know you are for real. He is growing spurs and he will inflict damage on you if you don't take care of this one way or another. It may have been funny the first time but it won't be funny for long. For your health and safety, dominate that bird or he will always dominate you. I am also very serious when I say that if you can't fix him now and quickly, he has to go. Good luck to you!

 

[chfite]

What I have done with the rooster is to back him up when he acts aggressively. I just walk right up to him and keep on walking. He has to submit or be stepped on.

As with a dog, if you run, he will chase you. You are behaving as if you were prey.

This dominating behavior will look entertaining until he rakes you with the spurs. Nasty wound, that.

Chris

 

[nellynelly]

give him a good kick. if that does not work, make dinner. you don't want an aggressive roo, as others stated, he will only get worse. you need to be able to do chores in the coop, not keeping your eye on the roo.

 

[neophyte17]

Happened to me. hi babied and carried my rooster a lot when he was growing up and when his hormones hit he became aggressive and started going after me. When he does that I walk up to him and pick him up, hold his legs together and just hold him against me. He fights and struggles but its not until he calms down that i let him go.

 

[donrae]

Personally, if you've already run from this rooster, I'm getting the feeling you'll never be comfortable asserting your dominance over him. If running was your first instinct, that's a bad sign. I'd really advise to get rid of the rooster now, before he does some serious damage.

You have good advice here about moving him away from you, showing him you're the boss, things like that. But a lot if is basic personality and you'll have to face him down yourself at some point, your husband can't do it for you. Keep in mind roosters love to ambush from behind and will hit the back of your legs hard enough to knock you forward a good few steps if you're not paying attention.

Keeping chickens is supposed to be a fun, relaxing hobby. Being afraid of a bird is neither fun nor relaxing.

You don't mention if there are children in the mix, if so please please get rid of that rooster today! They can do severe damage to littles.

 

[mommaEchols]

Ok, so I have stood up to the Roo, we had a good showdown, but when he tried at come to me, and peck, I stomped my feet, and bull charged him.. He did not like that at all, and backed away very quickly. I have found a yard stick, a little piece of trim to keep in my back pocket, but may not need it.. he backed down fairly quickly once I stood my ground, and bowed out with my charge on him. We did not have any further incidents after this. I will be doing this as needed, and If it continues I guess chicken soup is on the menu Thanks for the input, guys.. I was kinda mystified the first time around but I will happily let him know who is boss!

 

[lcahill]

Well thats a good start. I have learned the same thing...you must be assertive and put them in their place...second to you. Good luck!

 

[nbenevento]

Good job, way to go!

 

[Coppertop]

RIRs are blummin big too, you do not want any aggression, mine grew significantly after 20 weeks. Mines a pet, he had been babied and carried around and he still is. He tested the boundaries with me when he hit 6 months by pecking when I went to touch him, I chased him til he hid under a bush. Then he thought he'd just check and dis it again another time, I was faster this time and able to grab him. He was on his back in the floor faster than you can say Jack Robinson and held til I was ready to let go. He's been a sweetheart again since. Every now and then he gets put under my arm and carried around just to remind him he is my b...
It sounds very harsh but I will not have an aggressive cock and he needs to be sweet with everyone who visits- including kids. He is probably the friendliest of the lot again now and is petted by all comers.