Rooster and 2yr old son

[KikiLeigh02]

I have a 3 year old and a 15 month old, personally I would cull that cockerel. Especially if your son is showing fear around him.

 

[ShannonR]

I don't think it was mating. I've seen him dance for the girls, this was not the same. He almost seemed like huge was trying to sneak attack my son this time...

It's up to you, what to do about it. Certainly, the problem will escalate if you leave the issue alone. Here, that kind of behavior would be grounds for execution. There are too many nice roosters in this world to deal with one who isn't. Also, aggression can be hereditary, I wouldn't want to allow that trait to reproduce.

 

[Redhead Rae]

That was my other thing too, will my girls want a roo now that they've been around one? Or will they figure it out? I don't need a rooster. I don't plan on hatching. I just liked how he kept the girls in order.

If you don't need/want a rooster you don't have to keep one. They'll get used to it. One of your hens will probably step up to the leadership role.

 

[keesmom]

That was my other thing too, will my girls want a roo now that they've been around one? Or will they figure it out? I don't need a rooster. I don't plan on hatching. I just liked how he kept the girls in order.

If you don't need fertilized eggs then you have no need for a male. Your pullets will be fine without one.

 

[Nats Chickens]

Ask about this of Speckledhen. I'd not do anything without her advice. She has TONS of experience with roos.

 

[MissChick@dee]

My "accidental" cockrel is 4 1/2 months old. One of the girls just started laying, and soon after he decided he was going to side step at my son. I quickly gave him a swift tap with my chicken boots (the cockrel, not my son) and he calmed down about it until today. We began walking toward the house and I heard feet behind us. I quickly turned around and saw my cockrel side stepping toward my sons back. I again have him a swift boot. He's now giving my son the side eye and following him around. I feel like he's waiting for his chance.

After the first incident, my son is now nervous around my cockrel. I am pretty sure my cockrel knows this.

My question is, should we try to wait this out, or find another route for my cockrel?

If I could keep him, I would like to since he is great with my pullets. He showed them how to make a nest, keeps them safe, and even corrals them into the coop if he knows a storm is coming. The downside is I've heard this behavior doesn't typically get better. I've read beekissed's rooster speak post, and have read countless other posts about roosters. The only thing I don't really follow is I do toss out treats. I let him eat those with me around.

Guess I'm just looking to see what you seasoned chicken keepers think. Should I ride this out and hope it gets better, or turn to other options?

TIA

 

[AMoritz]

There was a thread I saw just the other day about how to take care of a roo who thought he was gonna run the coop. I can't remember who posted it but it makes total sense. You have to make him know that YOU are the boss and it included using a switch to do so. Basically you make that rooster know that when you say jump, he'll do it and as high as he can cuz he knows you rule the roost no matter what.
Pushing a rooster to the floor or hanging him upside down for a sec doesn't really mean anything to them, apparently. You have to "speak" in their language per say. It also said you never walk AROUND a chicken, you always walk THROUGH them and never show fear, cuz that's how "top rooster" would act.

I'll have to see if I can find that thread now cuz the situation was VERY similar to yours

 

[MissChick@dee]

From my experience it will only get WORSE. You don’t want a child scared for life physically or mentally over a Roo. They can do serious damage and your 2 year old will bear the brunt of it. I learned the hard way on this life lesson.

 

[redranger209]

Keep your son away from him. It’s his hormones, reintroduce your son when they’re both older.

 

[ShannonR]

There was a thread I saw just the other day about how to take care of a roo who thought he was gonna run the coop. I can't remember who posted it but it makes total sense. You have to make him know that YOU are the boss and it included using a switch to do so. Basically you make that rooster know that when you say jump, he'll do it and as high as he can cuz he knows you rule the roost no matter what.
Pushing a rooster to the floor or hanging him upside down for a sec doesn't really mean anything to them, apparently. You have to "speak" in their language per say. It also said you never walk AROUND a chicken, you always walk THROUGH them and never show fear, cuz that's how "top rooster" would act.

I'll have to see if I can find that thread now cuz the situation was VERY similar to yours

I have tried these methods, and in all of my experience it has always turned out to be a temporary fix. At best. Besides, you can't expect a 2 year old to behave like a dominant roo....