Tired of fighting.

[JacinLarkwell]

Have you considered Phoenix males? They don't lay dark eggs, but they're still a brown egg. Mine are all really good flockmaster and back ups and not people aggressive at all. Plus they're pretty

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Talking about spurs, what would you do to remove them from an Ameracuana rooster?

You can't actually remove them since they function like a nail and have a quick. A lot of people will trim the tip so it's blunt. Other methods are using a pair of pliers to twist the outer shell off or the hot potatoe method to remove the outer shell. I've seen the hot potato firsthand and it didn't seem to bother the bird, but I personally try to only trim spurs when necessary for the bird's health or hos hens health

 

[Maxwell Sulham]

You can't actually remove them since they function like a nail and have a quick. A lot of people will trim the tip so it's blunt. Other methods are using a pair of pliers to twist the outer shell off or the hot potatoe method to remove the outer shell. I've seen the hot potato firsthand and it didn't seem to bother the bird, but I personally try to only trim spurs when necessary for the bird's health or hos hens health

I have seen some videos I like the hot potato method most.

 

[Aapomp831]

Try holding him down in a submissive position every time he gets close to you.

I would not do this. Just gives him a reason to fear you.

 

[bobbi-j]

I have a copper maran rooster and he doesnt have any spurs

This is the one that attacks you, isn’t it? Pretty sure that’s what the OP is trying to get away from.

OP, have you raised your roosters from babies? If so, think about how you raised them. If you’re getting the same results, it might be time to think about changing your method. I have been using a hands off approach in raising my roosters for several years, and it has worked for me so far. I realize there is no fool-proof method, as we are talking about living animals.

When I first recognize that I have a cockerel, I distance myself from it. I walk confidently through my flock. When I have a cockerel who thinks he’s going to sneak up behind me, I turn around and walk toward him until he backs up. If a cockerel is between me and where I want to go, I go straight from point A to point B, and that bird will move out of my way. I don’t hold or carry them around, because I don’t want a submissive rooster. I want a respectful one. I want a cockerel/rooster that will give me my space. One that I feel I can trust (although I never fully do). The thing is, I think it’s important to start this as soon as you know you have a cockerel. It can be hard to turn them around once they start attacking.

 

[PDXJULES]

Try holding him down in a submissive position every time he gets close to you.

I think that's dangerous if claws have grown, and may work with young pups, but reportedly not Roos. SO many threads already on this subject. I don't keep them but will summarize. Carry a stick or broom, stomp in their direction, march right past them, don't back down, slap the stick or broom on the ground, and in henhouse to run them out a couple times. Assert dominance without actual physical contact. Best keep any helpers away who won't also do this. Know where he is and don't turn your back on him. Provide a Breeding pen or Bachelor pad to reduce stress of having to Police the whole yard; BBQ or re-home. Hope some of other folks tips help.

 

[miken 89]

He's very impressive. I try to not handle my males when I know they're boys. I like when they're wary enough to watch me and move out of my way, but don't flop out when I look at them. Of course every bird has his quirks. Is there anything specific that seems to set him off? (Water jug, a pair of boots, sweatshirt color)

Me turning my back, or coming into his “personal space”. It’s really not a big deal. Like I said he’s not a total ass. But what I really wanted was opinions on breeds. I’m thinking of trying a Black Astralthorp. The hens are quite passive and gorgeous. Eggs are smaller and they don’t lay as well as my RIR.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Me turning my back, or coming into his “personal space”. It’s really not a big deal. Like I said he’s not a total ass. But what I really wanted was opinions on breeds. I’m thinking of trying a Black Astralthorp. The hens are quite passive and gorgeous. Eggs are smaller and they don’t lay as well as my RIR.

Hmm. Those are more just aggression than quirks. Not much youcan do to fix it

 

[miken 89]

This is the one that attacks you, isn’t it? Pretty sure that’s what the OP is trying to get away from.

OP, have you raised your roosters from babies? If so, think about how you raised them. If you’re getting the same results, it might be time to think about changing your method. I have been using a hands off approach in raising my roosters for several years, and it has worked for me so far. I realize there is no fool-proof method, as we are talking about living animals.

When I first recognize that I have a cockerel, I distance myself from it. I walk confidently through my flock. When I have a cockerel who thinks he’s going to sneak up behind me, I turn around and walk toward him until he backs up. If a cockerel is between me and where I want to go, I go straight from point A to point B, and that bird will move out of my way. I don’t hold or carry them around, because I don’t want a submissive rooster. I want a respectful one. I want a cockerel/rooster that will give me my space. One that I feel I can trust (although I never fully do). The thing is, I think it’s important to start this as soon as you know you have a cockerel. It can be hard to turn them around once they start attacking.

I’ve tried raising them as pets (disaster) and keeping my distance (better results) and now am looking for a brown egg layer with an easy demeanor (I understand birds are individuals). I don’t completely hate my roo, just want to know if there’s a better one to be had.

 

[ChocolateMouse]

My Ameraucanas have always turned out OK. But I also raise them hands off and agree with the others that this is your best option and breed choice won't make a huge difference. Australorps are probably fine.

Ideally, get a handful of straight run chicks, raise them at arms length, and separate them as soon as you think you can tell boys from girls. Then SUPER hands off the boys and you can love on the girls all you want. It's easier to get a chicken that's naturally skittish to be more comfortable with you than it is to make something lose its comfort levels with you IMO.
Then when they're getting big you can pick the one with the best temperament.