socializing cockerels, to pet or not to pet?

[WriterofWords]

I was thinking and one thing I've realized is that my biggest roos have always been the friendliest.

 

[minihorse927]

I never hold and pet anything larger than a chick. Even then it is a rarity to see me hold and pet a chick. Once I know they are cockerels I do not pick them up or mess with them other than feeding and watering. If the young ones in the brooder peck me I "peck" them back. I mean I tap them with one finger just like they had just done to me. All of my roos are friendly enough to pick up to handle and they get out of the way when I am coming through the yard and they are loose. They do not even pay any attention to me doing anything unless I pick up one of the girls, then they come real close and dance around to let me know that they might do something just to protect his woman. Never had any of mine flog me or peck me once they are older.

I did get a bantam size cochin roo from a lady that treated him like a baby. Once his hormones kicked in me and him had to have a who's boss discussion. No, he did not go to freezer camp but he never tried to flog me again either.

 

[minihorse927]

Quote:
I had a chick hatch that had wry neck and an ear infection. After 2 weeks of treatments and hand feeding the little brat was terrified of me putting my hand anywhere near him. It turned out to be a roo and he is now ok with me coming around but he is almost 3 months old now. They get over it.

 

[StormyMoon]

All 9 of my roos are pets spoiled rotten to the core,

They will follow you till you pick them up , jump on your lap and give you big pity eyes till you scratch their neck.
Here are a few, my daughters dress them in doll clothes and play tea party with them all the time.
They sit still more than the hens will.

 

[Arielle]

LOVE IT!!!

 

[easteregger96]

My 2 roos are very friendly with me and follow me. I have never had them threaten me in any way. I hope it never happens.

 

[JennH07]

I bought chicks last spring and had 3 roo out of 8 chicks. 2 we gave away and the 3rd was my baby, Buck. I would hold him and pet him all the time, he followed me all over the place. Then late this past fall his hormones started kicking in and he started chasing my 6 year old son around the yard. Then winter hit and they were mostly in their run, but every time I let him out he would attack me, then he started going after my DH. It became relentless, so now he is in my freezer. I couldn't have him chasing my kids and hurting them, and with spring coming they are out side more and the chicks free range, so he had to go. I agree with most here that you should not make friends with your roos. I have eggs in a bator now and if I get any roos they will strictly be chickens, not pets. My hens on the other hand are a totally different story.

 

[Hopeful Peacock]

The roo in the dress playing tea party is really incredible - wow.

 

[Hopeful Peacock]

I think I'm gonna go with *do not handle more than necessary* for the roo, and understand that there are no guarantees.

I also will work on learning to speak chicken. I've had great success with dogs that way. My dogs are very well-behaved and I've been able to promptly nip any problems in the bud to keep them that way!

Thanks everyone! I'll still follow the thread,

so post away if you'd like. More is merrier.

 

[Coldweatherbirds]

Good luck. I am definitely siding with luck of the draw. I've had lots of roosters of different breeds. Only ever had one that wasn't constantly aggressive and he was a bantam in with full size laying hens. I think they kept him in his place.