Was My Roo Challenging Me?

[ChickenGirl555]

This morning I squeezed an hour of free range time in for my flock, and while I was out I noticed that the higher polish rooster, Terry, was walking close to me a lot. Usually, he freaks and runs away if I step anywhere in his eyesight. So I crouched and tried to get a picture, but I noticed he was leaning down and kind of watching me. His brother, HeiHei, didn't really mind me and ran off after the hens. But Terry stayed. One of my hens was laying an egg, and when she came out of the coop I started walking to the run to let her free range, and I didn't really see it but Terry followed me and jumped on me. I wouldn't really call it an attack, but I think that's what he was going for. When I turned around he just looked up at me. He didn't hurt me, just kinda threw himself at me .

He continued to watch me and follow, but never "attacked" me again. He's really friendly and has had no other signs of aggression. Also, he just turned 6 months. (Today, actually).

So this is just kind of funny to me, not a problem, but was he doing what I think he was doing, and trying to dominate me since the hens see me as their leader rooster. (The hens are 13 months.)

 

[sourland]

Cocking his head, watching, pecking at the ground and leaning towards you are precursors of aggression. He's sizing you up and trying to decide if he can 'take' you. That 'jumping on' was aggression. Don't let him get away with such behavior or it will escalate. Good luck in readjusting his testosterone unbalanced brain.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

Cocking his head, watching, pecking at the ground and leaning towards you are precursors of aggression. He's sizing you up and trying to decide if he can 'take' you. That 'jumping on' was aggression. Don't let him get away with such behavior or it will escalate. Good luck in readjusting his testosterone unbalanced brain.

Yes, after he did that I kind of chased him away and did a little "challenging" myself. Of course, he started running away the second I fought back. And yes he did every single thing you said. His brother is still sweet and hasn't done anything like this, almost ignoring me completely.

 

[SueT]

I suggest you go on the offensive. Get a long switch-like stick and purposefully walk toward him making sure he moves out of your way, and tap him if he doesn't. Practice this daily until he moves quickly out of your space every single time.

 

[CowboyCasual]

Thats what my rooster does only he doesn't back down, will literally body slam me, and use his talons. He did it to the Terminex inspector one time when I forgot to put him up.

When I had a second rooster, he one day swiped his feet on the dirt like he was gonna charge me. So I did the same. Then he did it again and flapped his wings, and stood up fully. So I did the same. Then he charged me so I ran towards him.

He chickened out and ran to my right just before we made contact. I wonder is thats where the term "Playing chicken." Comes from.

The one that charged me ended up getting eaten by coyotes :/

 

[ChickenGirl555]

Thats what my rooster does only he doesn't back down, will literally body slam me, and use his talons. He did it to the Terminex inspector one time when I forgot to put him up.

When I had a second rooster, he one day swiped his feet on the dirt like he was gonna charge me. So I did the same. Then he did it again and flapped his wings, and stood up fully. So I did the same. Then he charged me so I ran towards him.

He chickened out and ran to my right just before we made contact. I wonder is thats where the term "Playing chicken." Comes from.

The one that charged me ended up getting eaten by coyotes :/

Well I have no problem showing my boys who's boss. I'll start being a little more aggressive with him. I really don't want to get rid of him, he's beautiful and once in my lap he will fall asleep in minutes.

 

[ChickenGirl555]

I suggest you go on the offensive. Get a long switch-like stick and purposefully walk toward him making sure he moves out of your way, and tap him if he doesn't. Practice this daily until he moves quickly out of your space every single time.

Should I also try holding him down? I did it with one aggressive hen and she immediately stopped. (That was before I had my roos)

 

[Folly's place]

This 'friendliness' is very often actually boldness, and with adolescence, aggression. Please read Beekissed's article about managing roosters, and be prepared for problems from him to escalate.
If you have visitors, or small children, invite him to dinner, or remove him from your flock with full disclosure. He may learn to respect you, but will likely challenge every other human he meets.
Mary

 

[ChickenGirl555]

This 'friendliness' is very often actually boldness, and with adolescence, aggression. Please read Beekissed's article about managing roosters, and be prepared for problems from him to escalate.
If you have visitors, or small children, invite him to dinner, or remove him from your flock with full disclosure. He may learn to respect you, but will likely challenge every other human he meets.
Mary

Ok, thank you! He hasn't had any other aggression since then. I think he might've been "trying" something.

 

[Folly's place]

Just keep watching him, and move him out of the way often. He may try things out again, and again, so be ready.
Mary