Rooster Training Advice

[centrarchid]

Why do you take your hens off the roost at night?

Usually that is the least stressful time to move them. Some times that is a good time to assess for health and as to whether they are in lay.

 

[aart]

Why do you take your hens off the roost at night?

Usually that is the least stressful time to move them. Some times that is a good time to assess for health and as to whether they are in lay.

This^^^...

Plus they are much easier to 'catch'!

 

[Barnycat]

This^^^...

Plus they are much easier to 'catch'!

I understand that sometimes it is necessary for their health or well being, but other than for that reason it seems like an unnatural time to disturb them. That’s all I meant by my question.

 

[centrarchid]

I understand that sometimes it is necessary for their health or well being, but other than for that reason it seems like an unnatural time to disturb them. That’s all I meant by my question.

Moving the birds is often much less traumatic for all involved when done after dark. This is especially true with birds that are not keen about being handled, which can include many that are forcibly or otherwise cuddled during the day.

 

[[email protected]]

Hi All,
I have a 6 month old Buff Brahma rooster (Cameron). I am devoted to proper training and am always seeking advice on best practices. His last remaining unruly behavior is to run toward me when I pick up a hen. I can pick him up and do anything else around him without issue. He does not bite or jump at me. When he runs toward me (when grabbing hens) I push him over with my foot, then grab him and hold him to the ground until he submits. I try to do this every few days. Sometimes 3 times in a row. He eventually wonders off (free rangers).

I would like for him to not mind when I pick up the hens and never run at me or any other human (obviously). I got him because I heard his breed makes docile, beautiful roos - which he is! When I'm not picking up hens, he is very sweet and mellow.

Will this training method ever work? Will he ever ignore me when I pick up hens? Will he ever ignore 'strange' humans when they pick up hens?

Thanks!View attachment 1853958

I’ve found that being aggressive with a rooster never works. I give my roosters some love. Instead of holding him on the ground pick him up and pet him. He will soon want lap time. Also give him some treats when you are petting him. I’ve raised many roosters and only had one bad rooster. That was my first rooster because I followed bad advice and kicked him when I thought he was being aggressive. Turns out he was actually saying he was glad to see me. Stop kicking and hitting roosters. Give them some hugs just like you give the hens and the roosters will be just as loving. I had a Cochin rooster and he was a great pet.

 

[My 3 chix]

Yes you can have a rooster and pick up your hens. If you understand and respect rooster behavior and work with it. In his feather brain, they are HIS hens. He needs to learn that you are not a competing rooster trying to steal from him. If you have to, sometimes it's easier just to lock him in the run while the girls free range and hang out with you.

What if you include him in the lap petting and treat giving. Train him to be a lap sitter too. Then he won’t feel threatened by you and you can enjoy him as well. You earn his trust that way. Other folks may not. He’s just doing his job. Just show him it’s not necessary toward you. Cuz you’re his loving momma.

 

[2much2do]

Hi All,
I have a 6 month old Buff Brahma rooster (Cameron). I am devoted to proper training and am always seeking advice on best practices. His last remaining unruly behavior is to run toward me when I pick up a hen. I can pick him up and do anything else around him without issue. He does not bite or jump at me. When he runs toward me (when grabbing hens) I push him over with my foot, then grab him and hold him to the ground until he submits. I try to do this every few days. Sometimes 3 times in a row. He eventually wonders off (free rangers).

I would like for him to not mind when I pick up the hens and never run at me or any other human (obviously). I got him because I heard his breed makes docile, beautiful roos - which he is! When I'm not picking up hens, he is very sweet and mellow.

Will this training method ever work? Will he ever ignore me when I pick up hens? Will he ever ignore 'strange' humans when they pick up hens?

Thanks!View attachment 1853958

The behavior of rushing to protect a hen is what a rooster is supposed to do. Wouldn't you want him to defend the hens if a fox or raccoon were after them? He has proven he is a worthy rooster and not certain why you would not want him to be the best rooster he can be. He doesn't attack you but merely makes certain "his" hens are not harmed. He's da man!

 

[aart]

The behavior of rushing to protect a hen is what a rooster is supposed to do. Wouldn't you want him to defend the hens if a fox or raccoon were after them? He has proven he is a worthy rooster and not certain why you would not want him to be the best rooster he can be. He doesn't attack you but merely makes certain "his" hens are not harmed. He's da man!

A good cock/erel, realizes that humans(especially the keepers) are not a threat, like a fox or coon

 

[LizzzyJo]

Hello everyone! Thank you all for your help and support! Unfortunately, Cameron jumped on a kid I was babysitting today while he was free ranging. Again, he just saw a kid running (playing with a ball) and came near his hens. As much as I want it to all fit together, I was naive and having a rooster just does not fit my lifestyle. We all live and learn. This breaks my heart.

I need to rehome him. I live in northwest Ohio. I am willing to drive to meet anyone who is willing to take him to a good home. Is anyone out there that can help him?

Thank you!

 

[aart]

I need to rehome him. I live in northwest Ohio. I am willing to drive to meet anyone who is willing to take him to a good home. Is anyone out there that can help him?

Advertise on craigslist, your local farm store, local poultry facebook groups.
Or the BST forum here on BYC.
Not asking for a 'good home' will get him gone quicker.