Roosters--how 'mean' is mean?

[Kansaseq]

I have a 10mo old buff orp rooster that used to be very laid back and calm. He had laryngitis, and had to be separated from his girls for about two weeks while he was on antibiotics. Once while he was in isolation and I was feeding him, he came at me and scratched me. I held onto him for about 10 min to put him in his place, and he seemed better. Then when he was reintroduced to his girls, he came at me again. This has happened about 4 x now. He doesn't have spurs, so I don't get scratched badly, but it's very irritating. I always grab him and hold him to try and display that I'm more dominant. I know it's ultimately up to me as to how much I'm willing to put up with. My question is, in the world of roosters, how bad is this? He doesn't sound nearly as bad as a lot of roosters out there.Is this just part of owning a roo? If I get a different one, will that one too display some level of aggression towards me? I"ve had roos in the past, but didn't have as much interaction with them so it wasn't much of an issue.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Chickie Mamma]

Mine is just coming of age. He has never come at me yet. I have heard they can get pretty nasty. Hope someone has some advice. Sounds like you are doing what should be done (showing him who's boss) etc, but maybe there is a better way..

 

[montcapu]

he could be angry cause he was seperated from the girls, and just lashing out to tell you so, especially since he was the laid back type prior to being sick, could be something to do with the antibotics that is working out of system, I would give him as much time as you are willing to give, cause it is up to you.... but if he continues to do it and becomes more aggressive I would not put up with it

 

[Reinbeau]

We just got rid of a mean BO roo. If he's determined to be nasty now, he'll only get worse. I'd get rid of him. We have a new roo, he's a very pleasant fellow to be around after having to deal with the devil rooster we had! I've got a permanent scar on my shin from him to remember him by

 

[ga*chick*]

My roo started out as a lovable guy..as he got older and the hormones kicked in he got meaner. You can't turn your back on him. I tell him everyday that I have 5 new roo's, so his numbers up!

 

[montcapu]

ga*chick* :

My roo started out as a lovable guy..as he got older and the hormones kicked in he got meaner. You can't turn your back on him. I tell him everyday that I have 5 new roo's, so his numbers up!

now that is funny​

 

[Lollipop]

Cure for a mean rooster;

Read about this recently and the poster says it works. This is advice from a 72 YO farmer who seems to know what he`s talking about. If it doesn`t work for you just say so. I hate to pass along bad advice. Prior to this info, I figured the only cure was an ax. Maybe there is hope after all….

Hold the offending rooster by the legs and dip his head in a bucket of water. When you see a few bubbles, put him on the ground and let him alone. His attitude should now be a lot different. Sometimes they need a second lesson, but not often. Hope he comes around for you..........Pop

 

[claud]

My Marans roo was the worst during his first spring/summer. He's gotten better. He's fine with me - a bit unpredictable around other people.
It seems that they are the worst when hormones are surging and there's girls around.
He might get better but it's hard to say.
When my roo came after me I would turn on him and chase him down, catch him and carry him around for a while. I don't know if that's what helped or if he is mellowing with age(he's only 2 yrs old).

 

[ivan3]

Too mean? If the girls were hollering about a predator and the roo remained fixated on killing my mudboots instead of taking off to protect his hens, then it would be `axiomatic' that the roo be stewed.

As it is our guy tests the possibility of succession every few weeks. He was pretty sneaky as a cockerel (only attacking from behind if both one's hands were full), but as a 4yr. old his attempts have a formal/ritual quality about them. He does more of this:

Than this:

I wouldn't have a roo that wasn't a roo. We wear mudboots(excellent leg protection), don't let him out if there are visitors, and don't bend over and stick our faces in his. He has never bothered us when we're sitting (was napping behind me yesterday afternoon in first picture).

He doesn't mind being picked up at all.

 

[Kansaseq]

Quote:
Hi Pop, and thank so much for offering up advice. I don't think I could bring myself to try this method, though. The vet tech in me sees aspiration pneumonia and death, or at least a lengthy round of antibiotics being necessary after trying it. But I do appreciate your post. I appreciate everyone who has written in. Thank you, guys!

I guess what I'm really wondering is, should this level of aggression be expected? If this is just how most roos are, and it doesn't escalate, then I can deal with it. If he gets worse, well, he may have to go *away*.