Surviving Minnesota!

[Elise Ferguson]

It's never worked for me, but you could try.

If I have food he's pretty polite about it so maybe I just need to spend more time in the coop, he's probably just freaked out when I go in there. So far he hasn't run up on me from behind but he's still under 25 weeks old. And he's not the one to stand up for the girls when the cats come around, the head hen does the honors of chasing the cats away.

 

[BantyChooks]

If I have food he's pretty polite about it so maybe I just need to spend more time in the coop, he's probably just freaked out when I go in there. So far he hasn't run up on me from behind but he's still under 25 weeks old. And he's not the one to stand up for the girls when the cats come around, the head hen does the honors of chasing the cats away.

IMO there are two causes of aggression: fear and boldness. The route to take depends on why he's attacking, or in your case, acting badly. Does he stand up really tall and pull his feathers in, maybe act spooky? More handling might help in that case, but if he's in your face, tidbitting, and generally just overconfident you need to keep him out of your space. Pecking feet/hands can be either of those so watch him a bit and see what he acts like in general. It definitely needs to be halted now and not later.

 

[R2elk]

Wasn't going to let the chickens out today. Figured it'd be a waste of a 60F day since it's also 50mph winds. But the chickens plotted against me and made a break for the door. Pretty sure their first reaction upon leaving the coop was "oh hell no" as they all came running back and the now closed door :>

This guy is starting to get a little punchy. Pecking at my feet, grabbing my hands, and what not. Do you think the "cuddle technique" will break him down a bit?
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Check out this post on "rooster speak".

 

[Elise Ferguson]

Check out this post on "rooster speak".

Oo good post, thanks!

 

[BantyChooks]

Check out this post on "rooster speak".

Won't work for fear based aggression IMO but it's pretty near exactly what I do for the overly confident cockerels. Beekissed is a brilliant one with chicken management.

 

[Elise Ferguson]

I'll have to keep an eye on him and see if he's a jerk or just scared.

 

[BantyChooks]

I'll have to keep an eye on him and see if he's a jerk or just scared.

Being a jerk is much more common, but it's worth a check.

 

[MNChickMom]

Check out this post on "rooster speak".

Excellent Post - Brilliant!

When I think back to my roosters. The ones we (humans) walked all over and were bold with are very submissive with us.

 

[jerryse]

Hey BC I ordered a brooder corral like yours .

 

[lvie]

That is a great article! Thought: IF a rooster is fear-based intimidation - wouldn't they become more confident with a dominate figure taking the lead?