Scared Rooster

[Okaythen]

Recently my rooster has been acting strange. I always check all of my chickens’ crops before bed to make sure they’ve eaten enough (I’ve done this since they were chicks and never had any issues), but now my rooster has started pecking at me. He’s also stopped sleeping on his roost and has started sleeping on the floor of his sleeping area, which is raised off the ground. He’s an American Game, and nothing in his diet has changed. The only thing I can think of is the mice, about three days ago, I noticed a few running along the side of his cage at night. I’m not sure what’s going on; even in the mornings, when I’m just refilling his food and water, he still tries to attack me. I’ve tried to hold him and just let him get used to me, but after I put him down he just attacks me again.

 

[ella2025]

How old is he? I really don't know why he stopped roosting, but sometimes as a young rooster matures he will become aggressive for no reason.

 

[Artchickenlover21]

It's possible (depending on his age) his personality might have just naturally changed. That happens with roosters sometimes, they start off sweet but after growing up they turn mean. But there are other possibilities.

Have there been any big changes in the flock? Such as adding or subtracting chickens? Or a change in general or some event that might have stressed him out? Have you noticed anyone bullying or asserting themselves above him lately?

 

[Okaythen]

How old is he? I really don't know why he stopped roosting, but sometimes as a young rooster matures he will become aggressive for no reason.

He’s a year and 3 months old

 

[McChooky]

He’s a year and 3 months old

When a friend who was helping us bury new water lines mentioned a weasel killed his rooster I caught a young cockerel and put it in a cage so he could take it home. My rooster hid in the 'hen only coop' with his favorite hen the rest of the day.

 

[2 Acres]

How old is he? I really don't know why he stopped roosting, but sometimes as a young rooster matures he will become aggressive for no reason.

Most of the time my birds sleep on the floor. He could be freaked out if mice are in the coop

 

[McChooky]

Research I've read proves chickens understand there are consequences for their actions.They can modify their behavior indicating a level of cognitive awareness and decision-making https://backyardpoultry.iamcountryside.com/chickens-101/are-chickens-smart/

 

[McChooky]

Recently my rooster has been acting strange. I always check all of my chickens’ crops before bed to make sure they’ve eaten enough (I’ve done this since they were chicks and never had any issues), but now my rooster has started pecking at me. He’s also stopped sleeping on his roost and has started sleeping on the floor of his sleeping area, which is raised off the ground. He’s an American Game, and nothing in his diet has changed. The only thing I can think of is the mice, about three days ago, I noticed a few running along the side of his cage at night. I’m not sure what’s going on; even in the mornings, when I’m just refilling his food and water, he still tries to attack me. I’ve tried to hold him and just let him get used to me, but after I put him down he just attacks me again.

Is this your first and only rooster ? Does he have his own pen to sleep in or does he share his quarters with other hens like a coop? Photos would help thanks!

 

[McChooky]

Recently my rooster has been acting strange. I always check all of my chickens’ crops before bed to make sure they’ve eaten enough (I’ve done this since they were chicks and never had any issues), but now my rooster has started pecking at me. He’s also stopped sleeping on his roost and has started sleeping on the floor of his sleeping area, which is raised off the ground. He’s an American Game, and nothing in his diet has changed. The only thing I can think of is the mice, about three days ago, I noticed a few running along the side of his cage at night. I’m not sure what’s going on; even in the mornings, when I’m just refilling his food and water, he still tries to attack me. I’ve tried to hold him and just let him get used to me, but after I put him down he just attacks me again.

If you've trimmed his nails and quicked him his feet and toes will be sore.Trimming his spurs will also make him sore. The perch should wide enough for him to rest and cover the top of his feet and toes to keep them warm.Chickens don't wrap their toes around their perch

 

[McChooky]

If this rooster bites other family members or friends don't be surprised if he bites you.When they're aggressive with the hens they're also likely to be aggressive with us