Roosters

[Sussex19]

I tend to train them from a young age, the first time they do anything which I perceive as getting above them selves (such as feet stamping, circling or chasing) they get chased themselves, possible with a gentle kick if they need it.
The thing is to be consistent and do it every single time.
I don't know if this would work with one set in it's ways.
It's worked so far, but if there was one which got worse I think I would cull it as I don't want to pass that behaviour on.

 

[U_Stormcrow]

I got the mpression from the OP's second post that she would like to find some way other than killing the rooster to resolve the problem. It seems the OP can protect herself and is prepared to do so if necessary, but would like to keep her rooster if possible. It is possible. It may be more trouble than the OP is prepared to take but that's up to them.

For the rest of you, particularly the men I've read on this forum seemingly scared to death of a small flighless bird...

I mean seriously, we are talking about a three or four kilo bird here if that. Most are not even knee height! I know women under five foot tall not weighing much more than 40 kilos who can deal with a rooster without having to kill it.

Do not project your fears upon me.

I made a cost/benefit analysis considering the potential benefits and likely risks of various responses together with the necesasary time commitment, decided a replacement breeder was cheaper and more certain than the alternatives, and better, was offset by the bird's value on the dinner table.

No "manliness" involved. Just math.

 

[Miami Leghorn]

particularly the men

That is sexist.

 

[kcan2]

I'm not sure if it would be considered sexist or not to state that my husband is mortally afraid of my bantam rooster, who once chased him away from his golf bag.

Just wanted to put in a word for Shadrach's article, which helped me not a little in understanding my rooster early on. Years of experience and wisdom speaking there...maybe worth a shot if you are looking for remediation vs. eradication!

 

[Shadrach]

I'm not sure if it would be considered sexist or not to state that my husband is mortally afraid of my bantam rooster, who once chased him away from his golf bag.

Just wanted to put in a word for Shadrach's article, which helped me not a little in understanding my rooster early on. Years of experience and wisdom speaking there...maybe worth a shot if you are looking for remediation vs. eradication!

That's very kind of you. I'm pleased you found it a help.

 

[Mrs. K]

It absolutely dumbfounds me how one can want to keep an aggressive animal.

I think the problem comes with the idea of being the kind of person that is good to animals. With dogs and cats, this works quite well, but chickens did not get the memo.

I always solve for peace in the flock, and my peace too. I like having a rooster, but it needs to be on my own terms. Being attacked is not.

I almost think that some people are too sensitive to have chickens, and can be bullied by chickens because of their personal belief. Personally I cringe from people being encouraged to take abuse from anything, and given guilt that they are at fault for the behavior of a bird with a brain smaller than the meat of a walnut and testicles that are bigger.

Mrs K

 

[Sussex19]

I always solve for peace in the flock, and my peace too. I like having a rooster, but it needs to be on my own terms. Being attacked is not.

I agree.

 

[Folly's place]

I too put up with an aggressive first rooster, a little bantam who was motivated to fly up towards my face at every opportunity. It was a valuable learning experience for all of us here, and we learned that life is too short to be threatened or injured by a bird we were feeding and caring for.
Liability issues may be different outside of the USA, but here having a critter who could injure a visitor, especially a child, isn't a good plan.
And most people here have smaller coops and yards, so there's not a lot of space for a nasty rooster and his hens to be out of his perceived close territory.
I'm in the 'make him dinner for someone' camp.
Mary

 

[esturtz27]

I was going to start a thread asking about an agressive young roo. He's a bit of a grump to some of the girls and tried to get at me. I'm glad to read I did the right thing with him....I grabbed him up, carried him around and gave him a blueberry but with a warning do it again to me or my little boy and become dinner. He's been much better since.