Teach an old rooster new tricks?

[Harrelltn93]

Ok so he’s only 2, not too old and I’m not teaching him tricks. But lately he has become a real ass... When we first brought him home he was maybe a year old and was great with the hens as well as us. Lately he has been chasing down the hens and being pretty rough while mating them. He does a very good job of keeping an eye on them though. He has also started to flog my husband, myself and the last straw was my 3 yr old. What I don’t get is he did it when we were bringing food/ treats and totally unprovoked. What is the best advise on trying to kill this mean streak? I’ve contemplated making chicken noodle soup but my husband doesn’t want to unless we know he can’t be changed and I’d hate to lose a good watchful eye of the hens. However I won’t tolerate this behavior for long and won’t hesitate to cull if he doesn’t make a turn around, TIA!

 

[Kessel23]

This is what I do when a rooster becomes to mean with the hens. I lock him up in a cage where he can see the whole flock, they usually try real hard to attract the hens but they don't come. They will tid bit for hours and do anything possible to attract the hens but the hens are definitely not gonna break in there by him. I usually keep them locked up for a day or two then let them out, once they are free they usually won't even mate the hens for a while, they just dance around and tid bit, then eventually they start to mate again and become more gentle. For aggression, there is some things that can be done, like beating the crap out of him, but with a 3 year old child nearby I would honestly just recommend getting rid of him, you don't want to take any chances, a big roo can do some serious damage, especially to a small kid.

 

[Harrelltn93]

This is what I do when a rooster becomes to mean with the hens. I lock him up in a cage where he can see the whole flock, they usually try real hard to attract the hens but they don't come. They will tid bit for hours and do anything possible to attract the hens but the hens are definitely not gonna break in there by him. I usually keep them locked up for a day or two then let them out, once they are free they usually won't even mate the hens for a while, they just dance around and tid bit, then eventually they start to mate again and become more gentle. For aggression, there is some things that can be done, like beating the crap out of him, but with a 3 year old child nearby I would honestly just recommend getting rid of him, you don't want to take any chances, a big roo can do some serious damage, especially to a small kid.

My thoughts exactly on the aggression issue. I don’t want her to be scared of the chickens because she loves them but she steers clear of him now. He is a massive new hamshire red and I keep his spurs trimmed but he has a hefty kick. The only real thing holding me back is he is so good at calling them in when he senses any danger and rounds them up the roost in the evenings. If I knew I could get another rooster to do a good job of watching the hens I’d cull tomorrow.

 

[Harrelltn93]

Also I have tried picking him up and carrying him around I’ve football kicked him across the yard when he got my daughter and yet he flogged me again today when my back was turned...

 

[Folly's place]

He's dangerous and needs to cross that 'rainbow bridge' ASAP! I've had two roosters who decided to attack people at that age, and nothing improved until they were gone. Dead. I didn't eat mine, but there are folks who love the flavor of older birds, and then he'd be dinner for someone, a good thing.
He could seriously injure your child!
Mary

 

[aart]

What is the best advise on trying to kill this mean streak?

 

[Harrelltn93]

View attachment 1449056

Hahaha I think you are right on that

 

[Harrelltn93]

I would love to keep a rooster with my girls because he does do a great job of calling them into the coop and letting them know there is danger near when hawks fly over. What would y’all suggest on getting a replacement roo? Should I let one of the hens take over? I was planning on getting a young roo to introduce with some chicks I’m getting this weekend and letting him take over. Or maybe get another adult roo who is more polite?

 

[Chickassan]

You can't fix that one. Since you have a little i'd either just let your top hen take over or if you're set on having a rooster get a more docile breed such as a faverolle or a bantam pretty much anything lol! A tiny rooster works just as well as a big one with muuuuch less danger.

 

[Folly's place]

Getting a nice adult rooster is one way to go, but an increased disease risk for your flock. Raising straight run chicks is safer but does take some time.
Salmon Favorelles tend to be very sweet!
Mary