Rooster turning nasty!! Advice??

[Zach203]

So I have had my rooster for about 1 year to this day. Last year it was him and four hens, never had any problems with him attacking me or anything, not one. A few months ago I introduced 16, 7 week old chicks, now they are 19 weeks old and starting to lay eggs. And just a few days ago during feeding time my rooster started looking at me funny, and I knew something was up so I got out of there pretty quick. Then the next day during feeding time he actually tried to flog me, I put my shoe up and kicked him away, then chased him around till he was done. Why did he just now decide I was a threat?? I believe he is already mature because when I got him his spurs and wattle/comb were already full grown. Was he just excited during feeding time; are his hormones pumping because he now mates 16 other hens? What should I do to put him back in his place before he gets too aggressive? Thank you in advance

 

[azygous]

What is your location on the globe? Is it spring or fall where you are?

Spring is the most intense time for chicken hormones. It can make cockerels and roosters suddenly show the Hyde side of the Jeckle and Hyde syndrome.

But having pullets suddenly come into lay can also trigger the hormones of roosters and a sweet boy can suddenly become suspicious and competitive and even hostile toward humans.

What you can do is to slow down your movements around him. Be deliberate and self confident. Do not hesitate when he misbehaves or show fear. Immobilize him on the spot and don't release him until he calms down and submits. When you move about, make him move out of your way, don't politely wait for him to move, walk right over him.

On the other hand, don't interfere with his business as long as he's fulfilling his role as flock protector. Above all, you and he need to establish mutual trust. Basically, ignore him as long as he's behaving.

 

[Zach203]

What is your location on the globe? Is it spring or fall where you are?

Spring is the most intense time for chicken hormones. It can make cockerels and roosters suddenly show the Hyde side of the Jeckle and Hyde syndrome.

But having pullets suddenly come into lay can also trigger the hormones of roosters and a sweet boy can suddenly become suspicious and competitive and even hostile toward humans.

What you can do is to slow down your movements around him. Be deliberate and self confident. Do not hesitate when he misbehaves or show fear. Immobilize him on the spot and don't release him until he calms down and submits. When you move about, make him move out of your way, don't politely wait for him to move, walk right over him.

On the other hand, don't interfere with his business as long as he's fulfilling his role as flock protector. Above all, you and he need to establish mutual trust. Basically, ignore him as long as he's behaving.

Thank you for the help! Summer is currently ending and going into fall here.