I am a newbie to raising chickens and my chickens are about 4 months old and i have 18 Hens and only one rooster. But thats not the problem , It's my rooster he's very agressive twards people and comes at anyone near him. ( I'm sure he's just trying to rule his roost) I'm tring to tame him to be nice . Any suggestions?
I'm also interested in this. My 20 week old PR is tap dancing around the hens and sometimes it seems like he's doing this to me, but I'm not certain. It's only in the morning when I first let them out of the hen house. I go in there with a rake just in case. It's hard to know what he's thinking. You know that look they always have like they're thinking of attacking you. Maybe I'm just paranoid, but I get nervous about it. I know you're supposed to pick them up and hold them for a while to show dominance. I've done this a couple of times. He doesn't seem to appreciate it too much. I guess I should continue this probably every morning, but it's also hard to catch him. The tap dancing is similar to this. Should I be concerned too?
you need to chase the bajeesees out of that cock. Kick at him with your feet and scream. Any time you see him. By kick I mean scoop. Scoop at him with your feet. Flail your arms. You make him run until he doesnt want to even look at you. If you have small children carry them under their armpits and do the same routine with them for them. Make your older kids or family members do the same. Roosters can be civil, but it doesnt happen because you're nice to them. It happens because you let them know at all times who is ruling the roost. Theyre NOT pets, not in the "theyre never going to make you work for it" kinda way a cat or dog is. I've been through this before many times, and as a result we have only had safe friendly roosters. They try that bull crap ONCE with me and I make sure they dont ever want to consider it again. Especially since we have a toddler. I make it a point to make sur they know HE"S bigger than them. <--- see Chuchuck in the picture? My little welsummer roo? I could pick him up when I called him and he'd come hang out and eat snacks with me, but you can bet your booty we sorted things out before then, and as needed any time after.
I too don't believe in babying roosters to make them friendly. They don't understand friendship. Their world is all about dominance; who's the bigger badder roo. My roo has always been a tad bit afraid of me. I was lucky with him. I didn't have to instill fear in him, he was that way from day one. Yes he comes to me for treats just like the girls, but always with one eye watching me to know when he needs to take a step back. If I had a difficult roo, he'd get a few lessons in dominance and if he didn't show he understood it and quick-like, he'd be history.
Chase him. I wont let my Black Giant Jersey Roo "T" eat until the girls are done, He was being mean and rude and needed some manners. So I chased him away from feeder and made him wait. Chasing them works, we chased "T" all over our yard. For a whole day. He's going to be a big roo and we want him to know whos the boss.
Jeez, I guess I am really lucky. My roo is the best roo in the world. He's been a snuggler since he was little. And he does the dance too, I just figure he's rounding me up to protect me and add me to his flock like he does his hens. He's never pecked me once, and you can't sit down in the backyard without him hopping up into your lap for a snuggle and a nap. I spend alot of time with my chickens and give them treats from my hand, maybe that has something to do with it.... He clearly enjoys being held. He's got that sleepy contented look! Also, I've noticed that he doesn't trust some people though! My son is not too fond of his crowing and will toss my slippers in his general direction to attempt to shut him up. Now, when my son goes into the yard the roo keeps a close eye on him and considers him a threat i believe. He will stalk my son, but it never goes further than that. I do believe that you can form a trusting and friendly relationship with your roos - one way or another. But I also think that you need to respect them as well.
Today I'm feeling that my roo is not acting aggressive toward me at all. That in fact all he's doing is courting the hens. Just in case, I chase him around and stomp my feet at him when he comes out in the morning. My two young children are also chasing him around the yard while flapping their arms. He runs for dear life. We'll keep this up as a reminder to him, that he is NOT the boss.
