Tonight was the first time I had to shoot one of my chickens.

[Mrs MIA]

I'll probably get flamed for this, but this makes me sad. There is a difference between a truly aggressive roo, and one that is just working out the hormones. At 23 weeks old, they're starting to mate, and if there are 3 of them, they're going to be aggressive to anyone that comes by, especially children, just because of raging hormones. If I shot every rooster as it went through puberty, I would have been out of business long before I started.

Now, before you get your panties in a bunch, please understand that I do NOT keep truly aggressive roosters, nor do I breed them, and I most certainly do not sell them to someone else just to get rid of them. I have been spurred myself, and yes, a couple of birds have been sent to Camp Kenmore for less. But only after I have worked with them for a few weeks to determine that they really are aggressive, and not just under the spell of new hormones. You have to understand that at that age, they're GOING to act aggressive no matter what you do, so you have to keep the kids away and keep an eye on them until they figure out what's what. And work with them. For a while. A couple of days isn't going to cut it, it takes patience. Make them understand that YOU are head roo, and the rest will fall into place.

I'm sorry your child was hurt, but the responsible thing to do is to keep them from the chickens until they're old enough to fend for themselves.

 

[PaulaJoAnne]

Sorry you felt the need to do that. Little ones and roosters are not a good mix generally.
Have your son carry a small shovel with him, if he is around them again.
Not to hit with, but to just hold between him and the roo.

Also, teach your little ones to never chase or swing arms or legs at a roo.
They take that as a challenge, and will attack.

Here is a smoked chicken recipe from an Alaskan

No need to worry about tenderness, as 23 weeks is still pretty young.
Rub the bird all over with equal amounts of the following.

Sage
Paprika
Black Pepper
Sea Salt
Place it in a glass pan.
Cherry smoke chips are the best for this.
Smoke at 350 or so until done.
The juices in the pan make super gravy!

 

[TDM]

Mrs. AK-Bird-Brain :

I'll probably get flamed for this, but this makes me sad. There is a difference between a truly aggressive roo, and one that is just working out the hormones.

No, you should not get flamed.​

 

[NYRIR]

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x 2

 

[ChickieBooBoo]

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And pass on the problem to someone else?

 

[bobbi-j]

You did the right thing. Your kids should be able to be outside without fear of being attacked by a rooster. Hopefully your little one doesn't develop a life-long fear of chickens from this. I wouldn't have waited either. Your kids need to come first. Roosters are a dime a dozen. There are nice ones out there.

Note to Mother_Hen2011 - You're right. It might be better for your DH to take care of business when you're away. I've had to do that myself, with other animals we've had to put down. I just tell DH, "I don't want it here when I get back" One was a dog, one was a sweet little mare that my kids used to ride for 4-H. Much easier to go away for a couple of hours...

 

[Mother_Hen2011]

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Thanks bobbi-j i really appreciate the advice. I have one rooster 6 months old Im thinking of having culled due to him attacking my daughter.. I watched the last one just to let him know he wasnt alone. I carried him to his final resting place and let him eat a good breakfeast of scrambeld eggs and tomatoes(his favs.) Caught him walked him (what seemed forever.) Gave him some love and went to walk away and about a few secs before the shot rang I stopped and turned around and looked him in the eyes.(not a good thing for an animal lover like me.) I only did it to let him know I was there. I buried him and am making him a nice resting place. With morning glories and green grass so he always has a place to forage no matter where he may be. I love all my animals equally. I will never forget my Nermal. rest in peace little fella.

 

[bobbi-j]

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Thanks bobbi-j i really appreciate the advice. I have one rooster 6 months old Im thinking of having culled due to him attacking my daughter.. I watched the last one just to let him know he wasnt alone. I carried him to his final resting place and let him eat a good breakfeast of scrambeld eggs and tomatoes(his favs.) Caught him walked him (what seemed forever.) Gave him some love and went to walk away and about a few secs before the shot rang I stopped and turned around and looked him in the eyes.(not a good thing for an animal lover like me.) I only did it to let him know I was there. I buried him and am making him a nice resting place. With morning glories and green grass so he always has a place to forage no matter where he may be. I love all my animals equally. I will never forget my Nermal. rest in peace little fella.

Yeah, it might help to distance yourself a little. I love my animals, too, but have learned that it's easier if you do that. I don't even name them. When it comes time to thin the flock, it's much easier to butcher and freeze "the red one" than it is to butcher and freeze "Fluffy" Keep telling yourself that he attacked your daugher - he's dangerous. He'd never be able to free range or be loose, because he could hurt your daughter. What kind of life is it for him to be locked up all the time? In a way, you're doing him a favor, too. But next time - feed him if it makes you feel better, then go get some retail therapy, or invite a friend out for coffee, or go to a park, or something. But walk away and tell yourself that this is for the best. Yep, it's hard but it's part of keeping animals.

 

[Mrs MIA]

Perhaps the lesson here is not to let the chickens free range. Especially if the kids are in the yard.

 

[annaraven]

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