Ruined, beyond hope cockerel? *Graphic Photos*

[Mimi13]

It has nothing to do with space in my opinion. It has to do with roosters being too familiar with humans. Roosters shouldn't be handled as chicks or as they grow unless necessary. There should be no petting. I want mine to run from me. When mine mature, they aren't afraid of me and are respectful. I raise a few roosters every year. They should move away from you, especially during that first year and should keep a respectful distance of 5-10 feet.

I stopped handling all my cockerels at 6 weeks and some even before that. The one cockerel that I literally have never handled is the SLW. He, along with 3 other pullets, has ALWAYS been afraid of me. I honestly have only touched him twice; once to vaccinate him against fowlpox and then again to check the site a week later. He still is afraid of everyone.

As long as he is good to the hens when he gets out of the slammer, I am going to take @Sneebsey ’s advice and let him help me instruct my new cockerel. To me, that is excellent advice and I’m already looking forward to the spring.

 

[Mimi13]

When I used to handle and pet my roosters about 1/3 to 1/2 became aggressive. Since I have taken a hands off approach to them, I see zero aggression, no matter the breed.

So with handling you have a shot that your rooster will remain respectful, but I prefer to give them all a chance so I can judge them on other merits.

I also don't like living my life looking for the roosters and what they might do to me. I have chickens for enjoyment, not to terrorize me.

I currently have 11 adult roosters and 5 juvenile. I like my roosters.

Oh my lord! And I thought my 5 juvys were going to be my demise. I cannot imagine having a total of 16 males, of any species, not just chickens.

 

[Mimi13]

My view is the stories don't have to end like that.

That is really what I was hoping for. He really seemed so perfect from the beginning. And, one would have thought he would have viewed me as his savior, since I saved his old butt not once or twice, but three dang times from being eaten alive. However, that could also be why he has issues. Who in the world knows?!?

 

[Mimi13]

I disagree vehemently that if you coddle a Roo he's going to turn. I raise roosters all the time and I hold and coddle every one of them. They're good boys bred to be sweet and gentle and they absolutely are.
Genetics dictates it. You get a quality bird, you can coddle him pet him and raise him in your shirt pocket and he'd NEVER attack you. Bad breeding, especially hatchery birds, are the problem here. Get a bad bird, he's gonna kick you when you aren't looking no matter how you raise it.

This I agree with, wholeheartedly! All of mine, except four, are hatchery birds. And yes I can tell a difference. I’m going to call the breeder I bought my first ones from to see if she can help me find a good roo.

 

[Mimi13]

Too bad it's too far from Dothan to Centre or I'd come up and help you eat that Bad Bird!

Oh I know.

 

[EggWalrus]

Oh I know.

Nothing tastes as Good,
As a Bad Bird!

 

[Mimi13]

To all the GOOD rooster owners: I’ve read many times to not let them crow or mate in your presence. Define presence; 10’, 15’, backyard?

I love to hear the rooster(s) crow and I would especially hate to have to silence him when he crows. I also think seeing the birds’ interaction before mating is very interesting. I’m just not sure of the reasoning behind it and how I would go about accomplishing it.

Suggestions?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

To all the GOOD rooster owners: I’ve read many times to not let them crow or mate in your presence. Define presence; 10’, 15’, backyard?

I love to hear the rooster(s) crow and I would especially hate to have to silence him when he crows. I also think seeing the birds’ interaction before mating is very interesting. I’m just not sure of the reasoning behind it and how I would go about accomplishing it.

Suggestions?

I let mine crow away. If they are mating close to me and it looks like the hen isn't enjoying herself I may knock the rooster off. Most times I don't interfere.

 

[Mimi13]

I let mine crow away. If they are mating close to me and it looks like the hen isn't enjoying herself I may knock the rooster off. Most times I don't interfere.

Okay, good answer. That is me to a tee.

 

[aart]

To all the GOOD rooster owners: I’ve read many times to not let them crow or mate in your presence.

Ridiculous. SMH. Fear mongering.....and I am not a chicken, I don't care if he crows or mates(unless he tries to mate me, was danced at before a friends cockbird flogged me)