Rooster attacks... any hope?

[1876 Farm]

I agree with cofeychicks, with chickens you will always be learning. Seems like there is always something new going on in the chicken coop. If it's not bad behavior, then it's fending off attacks from predators, finding new ways to manage your flock, methods of introducing new members, etc. I've never had an aggressive rooster, but then again I've only owned 2 (I think I have 4 more but they are only 14 weeks old and haven't matured yet).

I agree with others, if you have children, get rid of your rooster. It's not worth the risk.

 

[lismarc]

I have a aggressive roo, had a lot of response on BYC, what worked for me was to rough him up abit more than once, show him who is boss Now he gives me space and walks away from me, one person on here gave that advice and it worked, I did not hurt him ( but he hurt me) now he respects my space, I was sad I might have to get rid of him I would never cull him that's not my style, every time u go out sneak up on him and startle him , make him uncomfortable, hope that works for u, good luck:

Thanks for this advice. I was out cleaning the coop earlier today and for the first time, my roo attacked me. Startled me. I had a small bucket in my hand and threw it at him. He kept coming at me. So, I started kicking him back a bit. Funny part is, one of the girls started taking over for me... She started attacking him. hahahaha.. So I let her finish him off and I went back to work cleaning. Then he bit my ankle... This time I gave him a pretty good kick. He went into the coop embarrassed, I suppose cuz he didn't come back out.

HHhhmmm wonder how he will act tomorrow.?? I know I wont let the kids go egg hunting anymore. Hopefully, I wont have to cull him. Although chicken (ironically) is my favorite meat.

 

[azygous]

The best way to teach a tough little roo that you are boss is to push him to the ground immediately as he makes contact with you. Push his head to the ground while pinching the skin on the back of his neck. Hold the position until he becomes still. This is how an alpha roo deals with a young cockerel who is challenging him.

Repeat this every single time he attacks. You must be consistent. When you encounter him in the course of the day, never back away or go around him. Walk right toward him, forcing him to move out of your way.

These two things send a clearer message than kicking or throwing things at him.

 

[lismarc]

The best way to teach a tough little roo that you are boss is to push him to the ground immediately as he makes contact with you. Push his head to the ground while pinching the skin on the back of his neck. Hold the position until he becomes still. This is how an alpha roo deals with a young cockerel who is challenging him.

Repeat this every single time he attacks. You must be consistent. When you encounter him in the course of the day, never back away or go around him. Walk right toward him, forcing him to move out of your way.

These two things send a clearer message than kicking or throwing things at him.

THANK YOU, azygous! I'm gonna do this instead of putting my foot in his @$$.

 

[lismarc]

THANK YOU, azygous! I'm gonna do this instead of putting my foot in his @$$.

I didn't have to do anything to my guy today. I went in the coop to add litter and he back up.... way up. I'm one happy chick. Now I don't have to invite him to dinner.

 

[azygous]

You've been blessed with a quick learner!

Don't let your guard down, though. He may need a refresher course.

 

[lismarc]

hahahhaha.. a refresher course... I'll be ready.

 

[Vida Tranquila]

Thank you BYC mates for all of your advice. Thanks to those sharing their experiences and seeking advice. I am very upset because this afternoon for the first time my roo Fred attacked me. He actually raised a blood blister on my shins through my yoga pants. I was so shocked. Funny thing is, I wasn't doing anything with the "wives" (as we call our six sweet hens), nor was I scary (as in wielding a rake or carrying something big). I should have expected this though because my 18 year old son has been telling me for weeks that the rooster sneaks up on him and attacks him from behind. This son is a bit of a clown and really doesn't like the chickens anyway so I thought he was exaggerating to be funny. Anyway, Fred the rooster is six months old and I have had him since he was four days old. I have never had a rooster before so this is new to me. I really didn't even want one, but i took a peep from a teacher friend who had used them in a science class. Up until now he has been very watchful and not mean with my very young hens who I have started acclimating to the outside during the day since it has gotten warm. I regret that instinct (mine, not his) engaged and I reacted by kicking him in the *****! He came back for more and I gave him another swift kick in the keister and then he voluntarily went into his coop. When I went to close it he came at me again, but I slammed the door shut and latched it. I felt horrible about having kicked an animal and later went back and spoke to him soothingly. Where is all of this going? I think I may try what the poster above suggested about pinning him down until he recognizes my dominance. I am not afraid of him. My children are all big and I am not worried about anyone being seriously hurt. I have dogs (three pit bulls) who are already terrified of the rooster and they are very good with hens having been around them for a while. Can anyone give any more suggestions or advice? I do not want my yard

to become an epic battleground.

 

[azygous]

Sorry to hear the "honey moon" with Fred has ended. Don't give up hope. He's just at the right age to train him right to be a gentleman with good manners. If you really want some great advice, read this thread through from the very beginning. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...succeeded-in-retraining-an-aggressive-rooster Everything you need to know about training a young cockerel is contained in this thread.

 

[Vida Tranquila]

Hi! Thank you for this link. I will read it right now and let you know how this goes. I am really hoping to find a solution that lets us keep him. *fingers crossed