Rooster attack

[peepmommy]

I would rather find him a more suitable home and I do believe it is quite possible. There are many farms around my area that would like to have him. I do wish I would have known more about chicken breeds and behavior in general. I grew up with chickens, but growing up with them and owning them are two different things. I hate to see him be killed, but my son takes priority. Again, accidents happen and as I've said before, we were watching him. My kids are never allowed outside unattended with the chickens for any length of time. My daughter is a little older and has a healthy respect for both hens and rooster alike, but my son is just learning. He is two, after all.

I have seen many animals who have attacked children. Some provoked, some not. I have seen animals abused, some so severely they needed to be put down. I have seen children scarred for life physically because of parental neglect. I am not a stranger to animal behavior. I do know that kids and animals need to be monitored. I know that even the nicest animal can hurt a child very quickly by just acting on instinct. The fact is, I was not neglectful. I was being mindful that these animals were around. It was my choice to keep the rooster (raised as a chick). I do accept the responsibility of ownership of these animals as well as managing the well being of my son. It was an accident and you can not tell me that taking classes could have prevented the situation. If you feel that kids and chickens can not coexist, you are severely mistaken. It has been done for centuries. If I am to get a new rooster, he will just have to be a better fit for our family. Just like any dog or cat would.

 

[leadwolf1]

I'm sorry if my conversation upset you...I know, by the way you speak, that you would never put your child intentionally in harm's way. I know that heartbreak of waiting for a child...and I know the possessiveness you feel once you have them.

Good luck with your rooster...I'm sure a farm life would be perfect for him

Just one word of caution..totally on a different subject...

When/if you decide on another roo...be very careful about where you get him. I picked up some chicks from a reputible person...my flock is now battling Marek's. This is the only reason I would never purchase a grown chicken and only deal with chicks. If it wasn't for the Marek's, I have many very sweet roosters that I would let you have. They are carried about twice daily by my 8 year old.

 

[peepmommy]

I am sorry if I came off a little snippy. I just feel so darn guilty about the whole thing..... I dreamt of chickens the whole night!

I feel like I've let my son down as well as my happy flock! Now I am really messing up my flock because my new babies are to arrive this week!! (Hopefully all pullets!) I appreciate your advice about Marek's. I am concerned about bringing the new ones in and putting them directly under my broody or raising them for a couple of months to make sure they aren't sick and are handled all of the time. Any thoughts on this? Thanks a bunch.