should I pick up my roo?

[Kuntry Klucker]

Hi,

I am doing this for the first time. Background I have one roo (Roy).
Is a good boy, great with the ladies and for the most part calm with
humans.

My problem is or I should say my question is...
Should I be able to approach him and pick him up?

He is scared to death of me. When ever I enter the pen he gets about as
far back as he can. When free ranging he makes sure he stays away
from me. Then when I approach him is flees in another direction.

I know that having a roo that is scared is good. How much should
I force being able to pick him up if I had too. Or would forcing
that ruin a good thing?

thanks in advance.

 

[Magic Birdie]

I think you should slowly get him to recognize you by spending more time in the coop or something. And if you are always positive with his girls, I think he'll accept you

 

[Kuntry Klucker]

I spend time with the flock everyday.
I give them treats, goo over all the pretty
girls and pet them. He has no problem
with me picking up the hens. I just cannot
get near him.

If that is what he prefers that is fine. I just don't know that if I
push it to be able to pick him up if that would be a wrong move.

 

[Kuntry Klucker]

Is there anyone out there?

 

[OvertheHenHouse]

I try to handle my chickens as much as possible, but they're still pullets and one cockerel. The cockerel sometimes lets me scratch him and hold him, but sometimes not. I'll be curious to hear what others with more experience have to say.

 

[Blueicebird]

I raised my Roo Puck from a chick and I picked him up every single day. He may try avoid me, but I still pick him up and hold and cuddle him. Since he is not use to being held I would not just go up and grab him. But spend time with him, let him see you mean he or the girls no harm. Feed him from your hand, bring him treats, then maybe try to pet him if he gets close. If he starts getting more comfortable try and pick him up. Hold his wings in tight, but no squishing him, and talk calming to him, cooing him and petting him softly. If he fights and you lose your grip, let him go gently, but if he doesn't fight let him go on your terms.

 

[MissJenny]

I have just a very small flock -- any roosters hatched here have to go... but I handle them and snuggle them and generally harass the hell out of them for their first 8 to 12 weeks. What I have noticed is some are flakey as all get out from the get go and some are calm enough to happily sit on my lap as long as I let them. It seems their individual personality determines how "holdable" they are.

You want him to know who you are... bring him worms. Men bond over worms.

(I had a hen who was really learly of me... till I brought her grapes -- now she's my best friend.

Jenny

 

[gritsar]

I pick my roosters up once a week to give them a health check, but otherwise don't handle them. I let them be roosters.

 

[Kuntry Klucker]

I have tired the treats, he will stand back away from me. Almost like he would
rather starve then get near me even for treats.

I am not sure if it is better to have a roo that is scared of you or one that is loveable.

I guess my concern is, if I needed to catch him for anything I am not sure if I will be
able too. I have tried to catch him and he freaks, Kind of like if the Alpha roo was
after him. He practally runs for his life.

I do not want to push it if maybe leaving things the way they are is best. Not sure.

 

[Kuntry Klucker]

gritstar, so you are saying that it is better to just let him be and not try to push
breaking him into being handled, right?