- May 16, 2012
- 2
- 2
- 9
1 year old Barred rock, raised free-range with a family teeming with kids and a dog, out of the blue pounced on and mauled my 2.5 year-old, absent obvious provocation (aside from being rooster-height and near the coop).
Collecting eggs from coop, son was nearby, usual egg procedure. He was wearing blue, Rooster went for the face, 5-10 seconds before I could separate them, and after 10 hours at a children's hospital, he looks like he went through a windshield.
My first thought for the bird was FREEZER CAMP or perhaps VULTURE GROVE. Overnight in the hospital tempered my fury, and in the interest of teaching first mercy, but also an understanding of ANIMAL behavior, I explained the attack to the older kids and decided to spare the vicious, swift and frighteningly dangerous little bird his life. He's off to a nearby farm without kids.
The point is, even if you have a tame and friendly rooster (carry him or hug him or whatever else people recommend to keep the birds from being fearful or agressive), of tame and gentle breed, they will attack if they perceive a threat and will not discriminate. Little kids (and I'd assume small pets such as little yappy dogs) can be perceived as threats and are not tall or fast enough to fend them off. The bird is protecting his flock without regard to race, creed or gender. Even my booted foot would not deter this bird once he started attacking, and only a blow with a handy stick (which stunned the bird) put him off long enough to collect the poor child.
If you have a rooster and he's not aggressive toward you or others, do NOT assume that he'll be OK with a child or other small creature. They are great at protecting a flock of hens because they will fight bitterly and are remarkably well-armed. I hope that this tragedy for my family might be instructive for others.
Collecting eggs from coop, son was nearby, usual egg procedure. He was wearing blue, Rooster went for the face, 5-10 seconds before I could separate them, and after 10 hours at a children's hospital, he looks like he went through a windshield.
My first thought for the bird was FREEZER CAMP or perhaps VULTURE GROVE. Overnight in the hospital tempered my fury, and in the interest of teaching first mercy, but also an understanding of ANIMAL behavior, I explained the attack to the older kids and decided to spare the vicious, swift and frighteningly dangerous little bird his life. He's off to a nearby farm without kids.
The point is, even if you have a tame and friendly rooster (carry him or hug him or whatever else people recommend to keep the birds from being fearful or agressive), of tame and gentle breed, they will attack if they perceive a threat and will not discriminate. Little kids (and I'd assume small pets such as little yappy dogs) can be perceived as threats and are not tall or fast enough to fend them off. The bird is protecting his flock without regard to race, creed or gender. Even my booted foot would not deter this bird once he started attacking, and only a blow with a handy stick (which stunned the bird) put him off long enough to collect the poor child.
If you have a rooster and he's not aggressive toward you or others, do NOT assume that he'll be OK with a child or other small creature. They are great at protecting a flock of hens because they will fight bitterly and are remarkably well-armed. I hope that this tragedy for my family might be instructive for others.
