Teenage rooster issues

[ShiverFarms]

I have a flock of 11 who were hatched out in April. They're about 15 weeks old now. Included in my flock is an Easter Egger cockerel who was until recently the SWEETEST lap chicken. I know this is a tale as old as time. Sweet loving roo turns into a terror.

But it's getting to where I'm unsure on how to proceed. Previously we have squared up when he got too big for his britches and he would be reminded of his place and all would be well.

Now as I enter the run he will peck my feet and if I turn my back on him he flies at me and tangles himself in my hair. Thank goodness he doesn't have spurs yet but his claws in my scalp are no fun!
H
How do I end this battle for dominance? I don't have an issue with culling if need be but I want to be sure I don't do so too early - if this is just teenage angst and I can correct his behavior I would much prefer to do that.

Any advice?

 

[sourland]

Any cockerel that was flying high enough to hit your hair could fly into your face/eyes. He would have to go if he were mine. Not worth the chance of losing your vision.

 

[Coops Dad]

There are others who believe in rehabilitation but I cannot tolerate an aggressive rooster. We have friends and family who come over and may not be prepared for the level of intensity that a rooster can bring to a battle, and I don't want to pay an ER bill for stitches and a tetanus shot that could have easily been avoided by eating the rooster in the first place.

 

[ShiverFarms]

I have no issue with dispatching but I don't want to be hasty if it's something that I can expect to only last through his hormonal teenage phase.

 

[bobbi-j]

Anything flying at my head would be gone here as well. The only way to know if his behavior is “teenage angst” is to wait it out, but are you sure you want to deal with that for any length of time? I sure wouldn’t. His behavior is dangerous, in my opinion. As previously stated, he could connect with your face and cause serious injury before he “settles down” (which I strongly doubt he will). Is it worth the risk? Not a chance I’m willing to take.

 

[bobbi-j]

I have no issue with dispatching but I don't want to be hasty if it's something that I can expect to only last through his hormonal teenage phase.

There are plenty of well-mannered “teenage” cockerels out there. I’d look for one of them.

 

[Paz]

You can cut his wings. And see if he still attacks you. You can also peck him back, or fry him in a pan covered in bread crumbs.

 

[Battlepants]

First, regardless of your choice on culling him or attempting rehab, invest in some safety glasses. It's never ideal to get injured, but losing an eye would be a lifelong injury. Stay safe.

As for the rehab attempt, I usually suggest the following actions:
*peck him back with your hand (jab him with a finger on the neck)
*walk through him if he is in the way or wingdancing at you, try to not step on him, but don't be afraid to lightly boot him if he doesn't move
*pick him up and parade him around in front of his hens (Wear protective gear!)
-In theory, this may break his spirit enough that he stops attacking you

On a side note, lots of the users on this forum tend to have children running around with their flock. If you happen to have children at risk from this rooster, I would suggest bypassing the rehab and going direct to culling. Even if you break the rooster to respect you, the child will remain at risk.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I generally am willing to give a cockerel a little leeway if he is being rough with the girls. I may separate him and give him time but that behavior is something he has a decent chance of growing out of. I'm less patient with a human aggressive cockerel. The first time or two I might do as you did and give him a chance but you've already tried that. It did not work. He's had his chance and failed. I'd get rid of him. And claws and spurs are not their only weapons. The beak can do a lot of damage.

 

[Folly's place]

He's dangerous, and would already be gone here. This is not behavior that's going to improve!!!
Dinner, at your house, or some one else's.
Mary