To put down or not to put down

[laturcotte1]

I have an agressive roo, Stuart. In the past year he has lost 6 hens at various times to the fox. This has taken a toll on him and he is now extremely agressive toward anyone, anything, well except his hens. When he lost his last girl Laverne to the fox that put him over the edge. There is no consoling him, taming him, helping him. Purchased 4 more hens but are unable to let them out of their run because Stuart will attack everything that moves. I have to protect myself with a rake, company has to run to the house. We have an animal rescue and kids are here all the time, a dangerous situation. We've tried the calm approach but there is no calming him, picking him up worked at first but now you just can't, my son was able to but not without battle wounds and the minute he put him down he attacked. I''ve made an appt to have him put down but canceled my DH says he's just doing his job. Being a danger to anyone on our property I have two choices; put him down or keep him penned up with his girls. What would you do? He is so angry at this point. I feel it's cruel to keep him penned the rest of his life (hes 2) they pace back and forth along the fence to get out. My DH says its better than killing him. He will be put down by a vet and brought home to be buried. I just need a push one way or the other, what ever is best for Stu. Thanks for you help.

 

[SunnyAlberta]

Can chickens take Prozac? It works for dogs and cats.

 

[questions543]

I know know little about roosters but maybe if he spent alot of time cooped up he would mellow down a bit... maybe. I guess it could do the opposite though as well

Sorry about your rooster and hens

 

[amberflea]

I would put him down, cause I think its cruel to keep them penned up, and obviously for liability and safety you need to keep him penned...

 

[EweSheep]

Put him down. No roo is worth his salt when he is abusive to his hens, people and particuarly kids. He is a time bomb. And you would be liable if he injures someone. Roos can put an eye out particuarly kids. That type of behavior of that age is NOT his job no matter how your hubby views it. He is too far gone to be rehabbed (not always successful).

He would make good stew.

Do it NOW and do it quickly!

 

[darin367]

my limited experience has taught me once a roo gets mean they just get meaner....... he needs to go if you have any kids around..... craigslist him, maybe some farmer can take him... just make sure whoever takes him knows he's mean n nasty.....

 

[wolfpak]

NO ONE wants this mean & vicious roo!!! Except perhaps stewed, with veggies & noodles... even if tough, the dogs never mind, and they make fantastic chicken stock!

Children are at extreme risk from this bird! Mean roos will attempt to spur them (and you, too) in the face. Yes, he could very well blind or maim a child for life.

Additionally, NEVER, EVER Ever breed a "man-fighter" rooster, as the temperment is inherited. Sorry, but there is NO other fix for this situation, and it would be irresponsible to attempt to pass off this dangerous liability on anyone else.

 

[janinepeters]

These are the roos that are best used for food. If you cannot eat him yourself, give him to someone who will. People do have to eat, and eating that rooster will mean one less chicken that suffered in a factory farm. He's had a pretty good life, but it's time to end it, and give the ladies a bit of freedom.

 

[RedDrgn]

Try penning him alone, away from all of the hens for 1-2 weeks. Don't let him anywhere near them, but go and interact with him yourself during that time. See what he does when he's got nothing to defend. And remember to approach with his favorite treats. If you have any luck with that, then start free ranging him with the girls (when no kids are out or company is around) and see how he does. If it goes fairly well, then start letting him stay with the flock again. Throughout it all, spend time with him and as much as you can so he knows that you, your DH, and anyone else who regularly needs to interact with him is no threat and no rival.

If this has no calming effect, then it'd be best to put him down as it's only a matter of time before he causes serious injury. If you cannot keep him away from children full time until he can be (if he can) be tamed, then I have to recommend just euthanizing him now. Roos aren't very dangerous to adults, but they can quickly remove eyes and cause lifelong scars on children.

 

[tankerman]

If he's too old/tough for you to eat, then he's an excellent candidate for dog food.

Our dogs love raw chicken parts.