I am a novice chicken keeper and would greatly appreciate the advice of seasoned chicken owners. Bob is a 10-month old, hatchery purchased, Plymouth Barred Rock. He sneaked into an order of pullet chicks which I purchased May 2019. I decided to keep him as it was a treat observing him grow from a chick to a young bird.
Bob is absolutely fantastic with the pullets. He is gentle in mating, keeps an eye on the sky, provides alerts to potential danger, calls the pullets to food and waits for them to begin eating before he eats, makes the majority of decisions regarding when the flock should move to different spots in the pasture, and calls them into the coop for the night. However, recently I have been contemplating re-homing him.
Bob is not fantastic with people. For example: (1) A couple months ago, he unexpectedly flogged a grandchild. Fortunately, she received only a small scratch on her shin. Prior to that time, my grandchildren had been able to be in the pasture with the flock without incident. I always insisted they move slowly; no flailing of arms, no chasing birds, etc. The granddaughter forgot and started dancing near the flock. Now, I do not allow any children into the pasture. I considered getting rid of Bob at that time but my husband convinced me to let him stay since he is so good with the pullets. But, (2) my husband is afraid of him. Bob always gives him the "side eye" and stands up tall but has not made a move toward my husband. Needless to say, my husband no longer goes into the pasture. (3) Then, two days ago he flogged me which resulted in a small gouge on the top of my foot. This incident was mostly my fault. The day was extremely windy, as was the day before. It was the type of wind that wears you out and Bob was on edge. In addition, I entered the pasture not wearing my usual tall boots but wearing shoes with bright pink socks showing (the small wound was located on the top of my foot in the pink sock area). Also, I was giving them some soaked grain but had not drained the water off (first time I had not drained the grain prior to scattering). When I started to pour out the grain, the water splashed wildly because of the wind which startled the flock and then, when I took a couple of steps to drop some grain in a second location (in my bright pink socks), the lightning-quick attack occurred. Bob only struck once, I stood my ground with the grain bucket in front of me in case he made another move toward me. I just stood still for a couple of moments until he began to move away. Then I, and my bright pink socks, walked every so slowly out of the pasture.
After writing this, I realize it is time for Bob to go. My question is: how can I help the pullets through the transition?
Bob is absolutely fantastic with the pullets. He is gentle in mating, keeps an eye on the sky, provides alerts to potential danger, calls the pullets to food and waits for them to begin eating before he eats, makes the majority of decisions regarding when the flock should move to different spots in the pasture, and calls them into the coop for the night. However, recently I have been contemplating re-homing him.
Bob is not fantastic with people. For example: (1) A couple months ago, he unexpectedly flogged a grandchild. Fortunately, she received only a small scratch on her shin. Prior to that time, my grandchildren had been able to be in the pasture with the flock without incident. I always insisted they move slowly; no flailing of arms, no chasing birds, etc. The granddaughter forgot and started dancing near the flock. Now, I do not allow any children into the pasture. I considered getting rid of Bob at that time but my husband convinced me to let him stay since he is so good with the pullets. But, (2) my husband is afraid of him. Bob always gives him the "side eye" and stands up tall but has not made a move toward my husband. Needless to say, my husband no longer goes into the pasture. (3) Then, two days ago he flogged me which resulted in a small gouge on the top of my foot. This incident was mostly my fault. The day was extremely windy, as was the day before. It was the type of wind that wears you out and Bob was on edge. In addition, I entered the pasture not wearing my usual tall boots but wearing shoes with bright pink socks showing (the small wound was located on the top of my foot in the pink sock area). Also, I was giving them some soaked grain but had not drained the water off (first time I had not drained the grain prior to scattering). When I started to pour out the grain, the water splashed wildly because of the wind which startled the flock and then, when I took a couple of steps to drop some grain in a second location (in my bright pink socks), the lightning-quick attack occurred. Bob only struck once, I stood my ground with the grain bucket in front of me in case he made another move toward me. I just stood still for a couple of moments until he began to move away. Then I, and my bright pink socks, walked every so slowly out of the pasture.
After writing this, I realize it is time for Bob to go. My question is: how can I help the pullets through the transition?
