Should I swap my rooster?

[Mace Gill]

If he is still young, he may not be big enough to do battle with the ol' man ... but that day might very well come. If you only end up keeping one ... keep the 'better rooster' ... whichever one watches, manages and corrals the stray girls. The one that does a mating dance rather than just gabbing a girl. The one that offers treats to the flock rater tha just gobbling them down.

 

[Abriana]

If he is still young, he may not be big enough to do battle with the ol' man ... but that day might very well come. If you only end up keeping one ... keep the 'better rooster' ... whichever one watches, manages and corrals the stray girls. The one that does a mating dance rather than just gabbing a girl. The one that offers treats to the flock rater tha just gobbling them down.

agree

 

[wthspirit]

Thank you all!! We've decided to keep everyone! Much appreciation for all your insight!!

 

[wthspirit]

If he is still young, he may not be big enough to do battle with the ol' man ... but that day might very well come. If you only end up keeping one ... keep the 'better rooster' ... whichever one watches, manages and corrals the stray girls. The one that does a mating dance rather than just gabbing a girl. The one that offers treats to the flock rater tha just gobbling them down.

That would be Pablo. Marshmallow is super sweet and overlooks his brood sisters but not aggressive at all. Pablo is a great guard of the flock and as interesting as it is when he charges our knees, will stay.

Thanks again!

 

[Mace Gill]

That would be Pablo. Marshmallow is super sweet and overlooks his brood sisters but not aggressive at all. Pablo is a great guard of the flock and as interesting as it is when he charges our knees, will stay.

Thanks again!

Never approach a feisty rooster with any nervousness or trepidation. Walk confidently, and be confident in his space always. If he mates in front of you, knock him off of the hen.

If he remains feisty ... grab him by the drumsticks and hold him upside down until he is calm. Keep holding him upside down for 15 minutes or more in front of the whole flock. After this, assuming he remains calm, hold him upright (keep a solid grip on his thighs in case he gets any ideas) and cradle him. Offer him treats and keep holding him for another fifteen minutes or more. If he remains calm, release him gently back to the flock.

If all of this fails ... a solid kick or three applied as often as needed. Kick him solid, aim for the breast area. The goal is NOT to INJURE him! The goal is to 'best' him and make sure he is aware that he can not win the challenge. A feisty roo may require several such solid kicks, knocking him back a few feet each time, until he gets the message. Repeat as needed.

 

[Abriana]

Never approach a feisty rooster with any nervousness or trepidation. Walk confidently, and be confident in his space always. If he mates in front of you, knock him off of the hen.

If he remains feisty ... grab him by the drumsticks and hold him upside down until he is calm. Keep holding him upside down for 15 minutes or more in front of the whole flock. After this, assuming he remains calm, hold him upright (keep a solid grip on his thighs in case he gets any ideas) and cradle him. Offer him treats and keep holding him for another fifteen minutes or more. If he remains calm, release him gently back to the flock.

If all of this fails ... a solid kick or three applied as often as needed. Kick him solid, aim for the breast area. The goal is NOT to INJURE him! The goal is to 'best' him and make sure he is aware that he can not win the challenge. A feisty roo may require several such solid kicks, knocking him back a few feet each time, until he gets the message. Repeat as needed.

Don't kick-hook your boot under his chest and gently toss back

 

[Mace Gill]

Don't kick-hook your boot under his chest and gently toss back

Exactly ... you're not trying to 'push' him back

 

[wthspirit]

Well, thank you both and right now, threatening Pablo with petting seems to be enough for him to back down. When he gets really brazen, I just let him bounce off me a little bit and he's fine. I see no reason to kick him - and wouldn't unless in an extreme circumstance (such as about to hurt a child). Right now, his attacks are mere entertainment with an occasional bruise or pecking scar when I'm not paying attention. Still, nothing bad. Pablo is a good rooster and really does his best to protect the flock. I applaud him for that and will not hurt or humiliate him. Thanks though!