Rooster Advice Please!?!

[norcal]

I need help making a decision.
My chickens are 16 weeks.

Big Roo is in the coop/run w/ the 7 hens, he's pretty nice to the hens, but has started getting MEAN to me. He's crowing & his comb is huge & red.

Is he just protecting his harem? And is there a way I can get Big Roo to STOP challenging me?

Or do I get rid of him?

I have another roo (RooRoo), but he's free-ranging, 'cause he's mean to the other chickens. But, he's nice to me.

I don't think I could have him in w/ the chickens (maybe just to breed, though not sure that would work).

Anyone have advice for me??

 

[TexasVet]

Next time the rooster challenges you, snatch him up and carry him around under your arm like a football. Don't let go until he stops struggling. At that point he's admitting defeat and acknowledging you as the dominant roo. You may have to do this a few times for it to sink in.

If he hasn't settled down after a few of these sessions, hold him upside down until he stops thrashing, then put him down. Same lesson as before, only stronger.

I have a little banty roo who fusses at me every time I go out to check on the girls and lock up the coop. So now I've gotten into the habit of picking him up as soon as I go into the coop and holding him until I'm ready to leave. So far, all he does is cluck at me... no spurring or feather ruffling.

Kathy, Bellville TX
www.CountryChickens.com

 

[briana1975]

That's how old mine are and I am having the same problem. Except mine won't let ANYONE near all the feeders and tried to attack my turkey at the neck. Beak and claws at the throut. Mine is in chicken time out. I plan on keeping him there 2 days then give it another go. If he doesn't attack anyone he can stay otherwise back to time out but for longer.

 

[norcal]

Thanks for the advice KHay...

I will try that. We'll see how that goes. He's getting pretty big (BarredRock) though.

 

[vtchickenlady]

I have a barred rock roo too. For the most part he is a good boy but lately he has become more protective and has lunged for no reason. I carry a water bottle with me and give him a good squirt when he gets out of line. Works very well.

 

[jayde88]

I've notice roosters seem to get like that when they're about that age, but, in a few months, they usually grow out of it. Picking it up like KHayward said is a very good stratagy to rid him of this habbit. Walking 'confidently' can also disscourage some roosters from attacking!

Hope they stop soon!

 

[norcal]

Thanks for the advice. I can only seem to catch him when he's in the coop, and he's less aggressive when in the coop - more so when in the run. I have to say, he didn't like being held tightly. ha! We'll see how this goes.....otherwise I'll hold him upside down like recommended (if I can figure out how).