Rooster Etiquette

[dandydoodle]

Do you grab him by the neck and push him to the ground and then turn him with his legs?

 

[theoldchick]

I corner him with two hands, and very quickly (like a snake) grab his legs with one hand, and put my hand on his back at the base of his neck to control his fall. Stan quickly submitted and I was able to maintain control with only my fingers of one hand wrapped around his feet. Since he only challenged me I simply lay him on his side. A rooster who flogs me is snatched by the legs, given a good shake, and placed on his back until he submits then I lay him on the side to allow the hens stand over him. Sometimes I pinch the comb when I pin one down.

If Stan continues to show aggression he will go the man with hungry kids. Not all roosters are aggressive but 90 % are habitual floggers.

 

[dandydoodle]

How do they submit? Why do you do this, does it help stop the aggression? I have had a flogger before, how do you know they are challenging you? Is it when they walk up to you and stare at you? Don't they flog you when you go for their legs?

 

[theoldchick]

I consider it a challenge when the rooster will not give me space, looks me in the eye and charges with hackle feathers raised. When a rooster is considering fighting me I always snatch the legs first to gain the upper hand and hopefully prevent lacerations. I immediately put the bird on the ground and use my other hand to control the upper body. (Of course I may change my technique when holding a camera!).

A bird who submits will lie quietly. Some may panic and flap their wings while screaming. I simply hold the bird in place until he is quiet. I try to avoid placing the bird on his back as this may compromise a stressed bird's ability to breathe and cause cardiac arrest. As soon as the bird submits I slightly relax my hold to let the bird know he made the correct decision.

Of course there are roosters who will attack as soon as you turn your back. These need to be culled especially in a family environment where kids are involved. Some roosters are a true warrior: they protect and provide food; and humans of all sizes are considered a threat.

Forcing a rooster to submit does not guarentee he will not attack you, but he may think about it before he does. And if you are watching him you can do things to direct his thoughts in another direction; such as tossing food to the hens. Then his simple mind will be occupied with keeping order among his gals.

 

[sheila3935]

I have to do that ocassionally to my Stan, but he is not a rooster he is my DH

 

[theoldchick]

 

[kaybats]

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Thank you...Very good information! I am trying to learn how to "dominate" my roos but still leave them with some dignity (and not get mauled myself in the process ...YOU have some great ideas!!!

 

[Farm_Maven]

My roo Mylo has never acted aggressive towards me or DH, but I will still occasionally gently push him down into a squat until he relaxes. And he will often stay that way for a few seconds after I let him go. I do this just to reinforce my "dominance" over him as a reminder. Hopefully doing it this way, he will not ever try getting aggressive. He sure does love to have his comb and wattles rubbed. He will "kiss" my leg, pretty hard sometimes, to ask me to rub. Not to the point of really hurting, but enough to leave a little red dot on my leg. I scold him when he does that. Once I give him his comb and wattle rub, and he's satisfied, he'll go on his merry way!

 

[specklesmom]

I love the way Maria is giving him the TOTAL GLARE!!! That alone should teach him a lesson! He is a very pretty bird.

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

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~Aspen