Rooster suddenly acting aggressive toward child

[MIChickandGuinea]

before we even get off the ground, NO!! The child has never, ever chased or teased or mistreated any of our birds. He feeds them and gives them treats and loves them with patient, friendly gentleness. And he’s not a “little kid” either. He’s a normal-sized 10-year-old. But quite suddenly this week, our rooster has started flying at people, neck feathers fluffed up and talons forward. If an adult stands their ground and gives Perry “the look”, he backs down quickly. But when my child is out there, Perry goes at him repeatedly. Our son is an experienced martial arts athlete, so for now, not knowing what to do, we told him to use his blocks and sweeps to discourage the bird (and protect his face) without actively hitting or kicking, so that he’s standing his ground and not running or retreating, not allowing the rooster to bully or move him around. We also said he can stomp the ground, hold his coat ends wide, stand face-on, speak loudly, and try to look like a bigger person and not so much like a target for Perry...

But what SHOULD we be doing? Our advice to our little guy was just to keep him safe while we figure out the actual management of a naughty rooster.

 

[centrarchid]

Simplest approach could be getting rid of that rooster. Your son defending himself is fighting back as far as rooster is concerned. Makes it worse.

 

[sourland]

Get rid of the rooster. When a child's safety or eyesight is at risk, there is no sense in attempts at rehabilitation.

 

[8 Chicks 1967]

He is just protecting his hens and space. When he displays aggression hang him upside down by his feet or hold him on his back. It will put him in a better place. Worked for mine. If it doesn't then I would re-home if possible.

 

[sourland]

He is just protecting his hens and space. When he displays aggression hang him upside down by his feet or hold him on his back. It will put him in a better place. Worked for mine. If it doesn't then I would re-home if possible.

Absolutely no need for 'protection' against humans that he knows. When a kid's safety is involved, there is only one logical solution.

 

[Fields Mountain Farm]

Absolutely no need for 'protection' against humans that he knows. When a kid's safety is involved, there is only one logical solution.

Agreed. An aggressive roo is a dangerous roo. Especially since he's going after your son. It's hard to get rid of one you really like and if he were just going after an adult you might could try to put him in his place and teach him not to attack. But he's after your son, it's not likely to stop. Best wishes and hope you're able to find a solution.

 

[lazy gardener]

In this case, I would not even try to rehab him. I'd get rid of him.

 

[GreenbrierChickens]

Aggressive chicken =dinner. My son's eyesight is more important than a single chicken. Always. It will only get worse.

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

Its pretty simple from MY perspective, and it seems more than a few others here. It comes down to what/who is more important. The aggressive bird or the child? Seems harsh I know but really thats what it boils down to. If your child loses an eye to this bird its too late.

Gary

 

[rachelsflock]

Eat and find a more deserving rooster that would otherwise be doomed to the chopping block. There are lots...
...I have one for instance, but he may stay because he's too nice to eat and would make a nice back up. My biggest thing to cull for in roosters here is temperament including crow and "protectiveness" (ie,none, just watchfullness allowed)THEN conformation, then color. I have to feed and care for them even in the winter, plus I have two kids under 5 and my roosters are BIG fireballs.