Rooster Behavior- Can you teach a rooster not to bite/peck?

[TheLittlestPig]

Hi everybody,
I have some 4 month old bantam cochins, males and females. They are all very friendly and docile. One of my favorite roosters has been pecking me though. I know this is fairly normal behavior for a rooster, but I want to break him of it. The first time I reach down to pet him or pick him up, he pecks my hand, and really grabs hold! I will fling him off and he won't do it again the rest of the time I'm in the pen. Then he's fine, he will let me touch him without pecking me. It's always the initial interaction with him. He's really sweet otherwise and I was wondering if anyone knew of a way to make him stop or if this is something that I will have to put up with. Thanks!

 

[sourland]

This is the sort of adolescent pet cockerel behavior that can escalate into full out flogging. Treat your hens as pets and your roosters as roosters has always been good advice. He has to learn that you are dominant. When he attempts to peck you, force him firmly to the ground and hold him there until he stops struggling. If when you release him he comes at you repeat the practice. It's a good idea to try to modify this behavior before it escalates into full out attacks.

 

[chfite]

Yes, indeed. The biggest problem in the world was easy to solve when it was small.

Chris

 

[TheLittlestPig]

Sourland, Thank you for your advice. I tried your method out on the rooster yesterday and it worked! He looked at me like I was crazy! But he didn't peck me again. I felt bad forcing him to the ground, but I realize it's for his benefit. If he's going to stay, he has to behave!