Silkie Rooster Attacking Me!

[dalasgalas]

Definitely I don't tolerate aggressive behaviour from any animals here. Too many nice males to deal with aggressive ones.

I've learned so much about chickens reading this forum. The more I read the better I feel about the decisions I make regarding my tiny urban flock.

 

[chickens really]

I've learned so much about chickens reading this forum. The more I read the better I feel about the decisions I make regarding my tiny urban flock.

Yep. Definitely can be a great place to learn.

 

[Ginmary]

My 5 month old silkie does the same thing. He is in the house with us. When I see that he is about to do it I bend over and prepare to push down on his back and hold his head down with the other hand. Sometimes I'll pick him up, hold him close and lower his head. Then I make a point of walking towards him as if I was going to walk thru him, making him get out of the way. Very dominant behavior. He only does that about once a day. I don't mind that he sees me as part of the flock. However I just remind him that I am the top of the pecking order. At night, when it's time to roost he still comes onto my chest/shoulder to nap before we go to bed and he goes to his roost.

If you wouldn't have a chance to try this because it happens too quickly going out the door, I would go out with a broom in front of me. if he comes near, sweep him away (note: I did NOT say hit him with the broom so everybody relax! lol) The sight of the broom should end up being enough after that. At least to get you out the door!

OK, now this is making me sad. I'm actually going to miss the little bugger, aggression and all. We bought him as a "pullet" and can't have roos in our neighborhood. We're bringing him to a sanctuary on Saturday where he will hopefully live a long and happy life and finally have some hens of his own.

 

[Shadrach]

Hey everyone!!

I have had my silkies for about 5 months and raised them since they were 1 week old chicks. I have two roosters who get along very well and five hens. Recently I have been letting them roam around my yard and there have been no problems... Aside from my splash rooster attacking me every time I come out of the back door! He jumps at my legs and stomps his feet at me, but doesn't raise his hackles or continue this behavior for longer than thirty seconds. Is there a way I can correct it or is it something I'll always have to put up with? He doesn't injure me at all, it's just a big scare and an inconvenience!

Thank you much!

From your description I think you'll find your rooster believes he's having sex with the top hen which apparently is you.
It's not aggressive behavior and your other rooster had probably monopolized the hens.
He will grow out of this stage. One way to accelerate this is to get him some hens.
Please don't pay any attention to the 'kill the aggressive rooster' brigade.
He can't help it. He's doing what comes naturally and you it seems is all he's got!
If a rooster flogs you, or raises his hackles and attacks then maybe you have problems.
This guy is just trying to mate.

 

[Chickassan]

Got to agree with @Shadrach , based on what you say he's doing he's trying to romance you since the other rooster hasn't called dibs on your feet yet.

 

[Shadrach]

It works a bit like this.
If you’ve brought this little chap up, fed him, given him cuddles, told him what a handsome chap he is and also been the flock boss and main provider then the poor chap has imprinted you as mum; to some degree at least.
Often, the first female a young cockerel tries to mate with is his mother.
Most of the young cockerels here try it on with mum first. They usually get the chicken equivalent of a clout around the ear. Some, when they get big enough and confident enough form a partnership with their mother if their father is no longer in the flock. I have had a number of groups where this has happened. Chickens see this as perfectly natural. Mum after all has a proven track record.
The cockerel behavior is often to grab a bit of trouser leg and try to mount whatever footwear you’re wearing. It’s over pretty quickly and the poor chap goes away happy at least. It takes a while for him to realize that something isn’t quite right and to transfer his ‘affections’ to a more appropriate creature. Dogs for example are also prone to this; the tales of dogs wrapping themselves around a humans leg are rather common.
He can’t help it and you’ve helped to create this situation.
I’m male and I get this from cockerels I’ve brought up when their parents have been predated. I find it a bit endearing, but I know it won’t last for long and eventually I’ll get dumped for a proper hen.