Rooster doesn’t like exposed skin?

[KRack]

I’m confused by this behavior, so I was hoping someone might have a grasp on it to help me better understand. @Shadrach any thoughts?

I have one rooster who seems to not love exposed skin on my feet/ankles. When I wear something to cover I don’t get pecked, but occasionally (twice total) he pecks my skin if it’s exposed. I was getting them fresh water today when he pecked once and I just said “hey, that’s my foot”, and he abruptly backed up and gave me space. He didn’t draw blood or anything. Was it like a “you’re not submitting” peck like I’ve seen Roos do on hens heads on occasion? Does he think my feet are a threat to him? I wish he could tell me!

I have lots of little feet to consider, so understanding their behavior helps everyone to be more comfortable!

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Perhaps he’s just curious? “What happened to the flappy things with giant pink and yellow zigzags?”

Chickens often remind me of babies, using their mouths to figure out unfamiliar things.

 

[WingItRanch]

Do you have freckles?

I do and learned the hard way to cover up!

 

[KRack]

Perhaps he’s just curious? “What happened to the flappy things with giant pink and yellow zigzags?”

Chickens often remind me of babies, using their mouths to figure out unfamiliar things.

Maybe. We go barefoot a lot here and the chickens free range so I guess I’ll just have to keep an eye on it. But a peck to my foot would feel different than a peck to my 1 year olds foot I’m sure. So, can’t have that.

 

[KRack]

Do you have freckles?

I do and learned the hard way to cover up!

I shouldn’t laugh, but it did make me laugh! I don’t. I did wonder if I had a cut in that spot or anything he was drawn to but there wasn’t anything there. That’s a good thing to keep in mind though!!

 

[Shadrach]

I’m confused by this behavior, so I was hoping someone might have a grasp on it to help me better understand. @Shadrach any thoughts?

I have one rooster who seems to not love exposed skin on my feet/ankles. When I wear something to cover I don’t get pecked, but occasionally (twice total) he pecks my skin if it’s exposed. I was getting them fresh water today when he pecked once and I just said “hey, that’s my foot”, and he abruptly backed up and gave me space. He didn’t draw blood or anything. Was it like a “you’re not submitting” peck like I’ve seen Roos do on hens heads on occasion? Does he think my feet are a threat to him? I wish he could tell me!

I have lots of little feet to consider, so understanding their behavior helps everyone to be more comfortable!

First thought is if he pecked you on bare skin and didn't draw blood he wasn't trying.
So, I would be inclined to rule out aggressive intent.
Next, chickens use their beaks much as we use our hands. They have different types of pecks and pecks of different forces.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/pecking-not-all-pecks-are-equal.75036/

Having recently had two pullets peck everything I've ever worn in what is this discover mode I think your rooster may be doing the same.. If he stands there and pulls hairs off your leg he's trying to tidy you up.

 

[KRack]

First thought is if he pecked you on bare skin and didn't draw blood he wasn't trying.
So, I would be inclined to rule out aggressive intent.
Next, chickens use their beaks much as we use our hands. They have different types of pecks and pecks of different forces.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/pecking-not-all-pecks-are-equal.75036/

Having recently had two pullets peck everything I've ever worn in what is this discover mode I think your rooster may be doing the same.. If he stands there and pulls hairs off your leg he's trying to tidy you up.

This is helpful, thank you!! I’ll read the article now.

I did have a rooster draw blood before so I knew the peck could have been much harder. I was thankful it wasn’t!

 

[Pukkits]

I wear crocs as my chicken yard shoes, as chicken poop is so sticky. Our new pullets love to peck my feet or socks through the holes. Their body posture isn't dominant, just inquiring. If I reach to pet them(they are affronted by this, I'm just trying to gentle them) they look at my hands closely for treats. If I have a freckle, cut or piece of jewelry, they will lightly peck it.

I've also had a roo that wanted me to be his, to the point of looking in windows and crowing for me when he escaped the pen. In addition to dancing for me and trying to tidbit me, he would occasionally peck my foot to try to get me to follow him back to the coop to stay where I "belonged".

While I definitely understand wanting your roo to stop, especially with kids around, I'd watch his posture. I think that will best tell you what he's saying. Hopefully he can be educated not to peck feet.

 

[KRack]

I wear crocs as my chicken yard shoes, as chicken poop is so sticky. Our new pullets love to peck my feet or socks through the holes. Their body posture isn't dominant, just inquiring. If I reach to pet them(they are affronted by this, I'm just trying to gentle them) they look at my hands closely for treats. If I have a freckle, cut or piece of jewelry, they will lightly peck it.

I've also had a roo that wanted me to be his, to the point of looking in windows and crowing for me when he escaped the pen. In addition to dancing for me and trying to tidbit me, he would occasionally peck my foot to try to get me to follow him back to the coop to stay where I "belonged".

While I definitely understand wanting your roo to stop, especially with kids around, I'd watch his posture. I think that will best tell you what he's saying. Hopefully he can be educated not to peck feet.

I wasn’t expecting the peck, because there was no body language I noticed leading up to it other than possibly curious. I’m not ALWAYS known for my observation skills though. I was also in their area getting water so I wasn’t sure if it was a territory thing. I’m going to pay attention to all these things I’m learning so we can all share this space peacefully!

Step 1 - consider wearing socks while investigating.
Step 2 - dig a moat around any area I don’t want chicken poop because all other barricades have failed.

 

[KRack]

So this same rooster has now drawn blood on my 8 year olds foot, and pecked mine with intention of hurting me (skinned me some but I didn’t bleed). He runs at us in the yard, there doesn’t seem to be rhyme or reason to it. We’re not within even 20 feet of his flock when it’s happened. This morning he left his flock in the front of the house to come at me when I was at the back of the house calling for the cat. Probably a good 40 feet at least. Flew up on the porch with intentions to not be so nice so I swatted at him and said “I don’t think so!” He sized me up for a bit before leaving.

I was definitely more tolerable when he was being curious, or even if he was being protective of his flock and I was in their feed/coop area, but I can’t have him running 40+ feet away from his own flock to attack me and my small kids. He’s got 2 acres on my land, and 300 acres all around us that’s woodland. He could definitely distance himself if he wanted to. So I think I’m making the hard decision to try to rehome him if possible.

He’s great with his hens, and I think he’s very handsome, so hopefully he finds a good home with different circumstances. Either someone who is willing to keep an eye on him if he free ranges, or a pasture situation where he’s just with chickens and there aren’t really people around other than to feed/water.