Training rooster

[robinwhiskers]

I have a Buff Orpington cockerel that will be 18 weeks old tomorrow along with two BO pullets, two EE pullets, and two BR pullets all of the same age. Typically the cockerel is sweet, and sort of clingy and needy as I've always spent a lot holding, treating, and interacting with my birds. However, none of them like to be held anymore even though a few come when called, they all beg for treats, and they're all pretty friendly.

However, I guess the cockerel is getting a rush of hormones and learning roo behavior because even though he's typically a good boy, the past week he'll be fine and all the sudden he gets a moment where he goes after you. He makes himself looks big and almost like circles you but I tell him "NO" and sometimes pick him up and he always stops. He isn't aggressive, I can pick him up, hold him like a baby, I could hold his beak, examine his feet, and he'd be tolerant. He isn't what I'd call snappy or mean. He just gets moments where he's triggered but it's easy to break him out of it.

I spend my time training dogs and one of the pullets, so it comes naturally to try and adjust the cockerel's behavior, especially because he directed one of his feisty moments towards a 6 year old. He seems to be doing better with his training because he knows I have no fear of him and he can squirm all he wants when I pick him up but I won't let him down until I want to.

Anyone else have a roo that can be a little firecracker?

 

[ebretzel]

I've just started experiencing this with my baby roo, about 5 months old. He has been eyeing me up and did chase after me one day last week when I walked around the run to look for eggs. I think he took my inspection as a challenge to his authority. I'm hoping it was just a one time thing and perhaps due to raging teen hormones.

Generally, though, he just ignores me when I go into the yard and give everyone treats or fill their water. He's more interested in the food. But he does keep an eye on me... I'm OK with that because one of the reasons we got a rooster was for some extra protection for our hens. I don't generally pick up my chickens but I "hang out" with them from time-to-time.

 

[sourland]

Many if not most cockerels get a bit feisty when the surge of testosterone hits. Sometimes the most human aggressive are those who have been treated most like pets as they don't know any boundaries and regard their keepers as equals. Do not let him get away with his shenanigans, as such behavior generally escalates. Be especially careful to not let him near any children. Do an on site search on 'rooster behavior modification'. There are numerous threads. Good luck.

 

[robinwhiskers]

I do let the 6 year old in the run when I'm in there as I don't take my eye off the rooster (I'm only 14 myself). I plan on doing a couple "sessions" with him daily to hopefully notice his possible triggers. It helps that he's not some random rooster but a rooster I know and am not afraid of.