Rooster woes

[3chickswitharooster]

I caught my 17 week old rooster on top of my 1 year old child. She was squatting down and he jumped on her back. He was puffed up. I didn’t notice him peck her but she was crying. I didn’t see any marks from him on her.
I ran over and pushed him off. He stayed puffed up towards her.
Is this something I can change? Is he trying to make her one of his hens? Is it agreesion? Will I need to rehome him? I really don’t want to but obviously my children come first!

 

[sourland]

With a 1 year old involved, I wouldn't give him a second chance. Young birds can sometimes be changed, but it's not worth the possibility of your daughter being injured. If he were here, he would have to leave.

 

[azygous]

You were very, very lucky you and your toddler got off easy learning this lesson about an unpredictable rooster. I have a male friend with a seven inch scar on his leg from stitches he had to get to close a ghastly wound from his high strung cockerel.

Some roosters view small people as a threat and a rival due to their size. If the toddler also happens to be loud and running around, they can be viciously attacked and torn up by spurs and talons, even bitten. Since a toddler is so close to the ground, they could also be blinded by an attack. This isn't even addressing the psychological trauma such an attack would have on a small child.

On this site, we recommend never allowing a small child anywhere near a rooster due to the inherent danger. Roosters are territorial by nature and any animal that is close to their size usually will be considered a threat. Even though a rooster behaves mannerly toward adults, it's wise never to let a small child near a rooster.

 

[3chickswitharooster]

With a 1 year old involved, I wouldn't give him a second chance. Young birds can sometimes be changed, but it's not worth the possibility of your daughter being injured. If he were here, he would have to leave.

that’s what I was thinking. He’s been totally fine until this moment.

 

[3chickswitharooster]

You were very, very lucky you and your toddler got off easy learning this lesson about an unpredictable rooster. I have a male friend with a seven inch scar on his leg from stitches he had to get to close a ghastly wound from his high strung cockerel.

Some roosters view small people as a threat and a rival due to their size. If the toddler also happens to be loud and running around, they can be viciously attacked and torn up by spurs and talons, even bitten. Since a toddler is so close to the ground, they could also be blinded by an attack. This isn't even addressing the psychological trauma such an attack would have on a small child.

On this site, we recommend never allowing a small child anywhere near a rooster due to the inherent danger. Roosters are territorial by nature and any animal that is close to their size usually will be considered a threat. Even though a rooster behaves mannerly toward adults, it's wise never to let a small child near a rooster.

I was definitely really scared when I saw what was happening. I know they can cause serious harm. Fortunately he has not grown his spurs yet.

They mostly stay in the coop but when I’m out in the yard I’ll let them out. So I guess I’ll be rehoming him. Thanks. I hadn’t read about this behavior in all the research I’ve done.

 

[Acre4Me]

that’s what I was thinking. He’s been totally fine until this moment.

Hormones. He’s awash with hormones, but he’s also Indicating his likely behavior In the future. If your flock is all the same age, there aren’t any older hens or roosters to teach him any manners either. Good points made above. Get rid of him.

 

[Folly's place]

Agree with everyone, move him on ASAP, and with full disclosure.
Mary