S.O.S

[CarnyCat]

My

sweet young Bourbon Red is starting to get angry. He is maturing and almost a year old. He has four young hens and has started acting aggressively to me even when I am bringing treats. Any ideas as to how I can make him nice again or is this normal behavior?

 

[ivan3]

One member reported good luck waiting until their tom approached and then popping open an umbrella in his face. Another tactic is to put a spray head on a hose and every time he approaches - let him have the concentrated stream right on the snood. Failing that use a good quality broom and push him away when he approaches. Also, when he backs off - follow him until he moves away smartly, then turn and walk away (with one eye on the tom) as soon as he turns and makes a move toward you (repeat). Consistently make him back off when you enter run, he'll catch on or be eaten, I 'd guess.

Some members have problems with hand raised (human imprinted) toms. We've had both hand raised and hen raised toms for going on a decade and just haven't had so much as a challenge trill directed at us; we don't lack in "friendliness" with the flock, we're just extremely consistent about never not walking right over to them and picking them up - separating sparring toms, etc. I guess they recognize who owns the flock.

Don't turn your back on him if you're not prepared to turn right around and back him off.

 

[CarnyCat]

Fantastic,Thank you so much for the expert advice. He is truly a great bird and I will try one if not all your suggestions until he tolerates me again. He will not end up on the table though as he has a name-Hortnick Thanks again Cat