Roosters: The Good The Bad & The Ugly

[heath_elisha]

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[Achickenwrangler#1]

That's alot a chicken! its also a good idea to notice what's going on on the chickens world. Two roos that have been 'arguing' all day aren't going to be in a friendly mood either. I'm pretty happy to be able to handle my roos if i have to but mostly let them be. I've never had a game cock attack me, they know I'm not a chicken or a threat. Now, some of the hens are a bit more spoiled but thats ok too.
I happen to think that certain breeds have been developed for production, attitude doesn't enter into the equation, so a rooster that breeds nonstop all day long produces more chicks and it doesn't matter if he turns into barbwire around people...he is a producer...so aggression doesn't get bred out of it. Rooster that can't get along in a flock situation get eliminated at my place. I don't want a roos that damages hens or chicks...he has enough to do otherwise. Attacking me is just not an option in his chicken world and the smart ones never think it is.

 

[ChicknBaron]

We have welsummer mix rooster who is a gentleman all the way. He has never shown any aggression at all to me, my young children, husband or even strangers that come over. We are so proud of him...... really a gentle bird. Even when injured, he was so incredibly gentle. His trust is amazing..... and we really never tried to make him that way. It just came natural. We never threatened him ever, never had to kick or anything. We have raised several young cockerels from him and all have never shown any aggression- although one seemed like he would some day lol He left before we found out

Also, we have raised a couple marans roosters and they seem to be very skiddish. Raising them since hatch didn't make much of a difference.... I have a 17 week old marans that will barely eat out of my hands- when all the other birds do. Then I have a 7 week old marans and he is just as skiddish. I think in every breed there is a chance for aggression or even more anxiety of people, which can lead to aggression- out of fear. Treats have seemed to be effective with all my birds. They see me and they know something good is coming, whether it is free ranging time or food scraps

My chickens LOVE bread, so thats really the only treat i have for them what do you use? right now i'm incubating 2 marans so it sounds like i will have a few more skittish birds... for some reason i have one super skittish BO and one SUPER skittish RIR

 

[ChicknBaron]

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Why did you write a reply with just a period in it?

 

[ChicknBaron]

That's alot a chicken! its also a good idea to notice what's going on on the chickens world. Two roos that have been 'arguing' all day aren't going to be in a friendly mood either. I'm pretty happy to be able to handle my roos if i have to but mostly let them be. I've never had a game cock attack me, they know I'm not a chicken or a threat. Now, some of the hens are a bit more spoiled but thats ok too. I happen to think that certain breeds have been developed for production, attitude doesn't enter into the equation, so a rooster that breeds nonstop all day long produces more chicks and it doesn't matter if he turns into barbwire around people...he is a producer...so aggression doesn't get bred out of it. Rooster that can't get along in a flock situation get eliminated at my place. I don't want a roos that damages hens or chicks...he has enough to do otherwise. Attacking me is just not an option in his chicken world and the smart ones never think it is.

I had a problem with my roo attacking me, but i realize now that that was to be expected... i was afraid he'd peck my leg so i'd take off real fast and then he'd chase me around the yard... bad idea... i know... now... that he's gone...

 

[heath_elisha]

My chickens LOVE bread, so thats really the only treat i have for them what do you use? right now i'm incubating 2 marans so it sounds like i will have a few more skittish birds... for some reason i have one super skittish BO and one SUPER skittish RIR

Our birds get any food scraps we have..... kitchen scraps, leftovers, kids unfinished meals, egg shells. etc.... as long as it has not gone bad/spoiled. They love it........ just be sure not to give them anything that is toxic, like rhubarb and potato skins

Why did you write a reply with just a period in it?

I accidently did a comment here, but realized I was on the wrong thread! It wouldn't let me just delete my post.......

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

The tamest chickens I have are the orphans I hand raised. To put them to sleep at night I gather them together and hold my hand over them, cover them up with a towel...soon they fall asleep. Throughout the day I'll periodically warm them with my hand, especially if they are just standing around cheeping loudly. Pretty soon, they will come to your hand and crawl under it. It's a comfort thing. They still come over to me, especially at night and want me to put them in a roost. Try it sometime.

 

[ChicknBaron]

Our birds get any food scraps we have..... kitchen scraps, leftovers, kids unfinished meals, egg shells. etc.... as long as it has not gone bad/spoiled. They love it........ just be sure not to give them anything that is toxic, like rhubarb and potato skins



I accidently did a comment here, but realized I was on the wrong thread! It wouldn't let me just delete my post.......

Oh, i see, haha... I sometimes give them left overs, but usually the left overs just go to the dog

 

[ChicknBaron]

The tamest chickens I have are the orphans I hand raised. To put them to sleep at night I gather them together and hold my hand over them, cover them up with a towel...soon they fall asleep. Throughout the day I'll periodically warm them with my hand, especially if they are just standing around cheeping loudly. Pretty soon, they will come to your hand and crawl under it. It's a comfort thing. They still come over to me, especially at night and want me to put them in a roost. Try it sometime.

Good idea! I have a batch of eggs in the bator now so when they hatch i'll do my best to do that. it'll be kind of hard because of school and sports to keep up with them all the time but I'll get thru it

 

[math ace]

My chickens LOVE bread, so thats really the only treat i have for them what do you use? right now i'm incubating 2 marans so it sounds like i will have a few more skittish birds... for some reason i have one super skittish BO and one SUPER skittish RIR

I use bread for individual treats and scratch for group treats. My marans are very calm, not skittish at all. Marans is one of those breeds that it can vary drastically from line to line, breeder to breeder. The delawares roos are the most calm with the marans coming in a close second.