It is so counter intuitive. In general, say with dogs and cats, if they are handled, they learn not to be afraid of humans, and become life long companions. Perhaps it is the flock habit of chickens and the pecking order of an established flock. Roosters are just not this way. One must remember, that the brain of a rooster (or any other chicken) is not large, it cannot reason, and really does not have emotions in the way that humans and even other animals do. It is largely controlled by instinct, hormones and genetics.
I would take the above poster's point about attacking the man as a scary sign. I would just about bet, that the man was bent over, while working on the fence, and the rooster thought he was smaller. Once they start sneaking and attacking, you just can't trust them. And they can cause painful damage.
Roosters will test each other and the handler for dominance. Roosters generally attack smaller people first, (children, then women, then men). Quick jerky movements, picking up a hen, and the color red can excite a roo into attacking. Sometimes a roo will dance for you, or offer you a treat, or puff up when you come into the coup/run. These are signs that he thinks he is the dominant roo. Experienced poultiers will most often pick up on cues that a rooster will attack, but even people who have had chickens for years have been surprised or caught off guard.
I love having a rooster, but I started out with just hens. I have had one good one, one medium fair, and one meaner than a junk yard dog. I agree with the above posters, if you have small children, say less than 8-10 years, don't keep him. If you do keep him, you have to know in your heart, that he may have to go tomorrow, and be ready.
Mrs K
I would take the above poster's point about attacking the man as a scary sign. I would just about bet, that the man was bent over, while working on the fence, and the rooster thought he was smaller. Once they start sneaking and attacking, you just can't trust them. And they can cause painful damage.
Roosters will test each other and the handler for dominance. Roosters generally attack smaller people first, (children, then women, then men). Quick jerky movements, picking up a hen, and the color red can excite a roo into attacking. Sometimes a roo will dance for you, or offer you a treat, or puff up when you come into the coup/run. These are signs that he thinks he is the dominant roo. Experienced poultiers will most often pick up on cues that a rooster will attack, but even people who have had chickens for years have been surprised or caught off guard.
I love having a rooster, but I started out with just hens. I have had one good one, one medium fair, and one meaner than a junk yard dog. I agree with the above posters, if you have small children, say less than 8-10 years, don't keep him. If you do keep him, you have to know in your heart, that he may have to go tomorrow, and be ready.
Mrs K
