What do I do about my agressive rooster?

[cindy99]

My mom had a rooster that was mean when he was young. She would pick him up and carry him around all the time. When he would run at her she would swoop down and pick him up and talk to him. Now that silly rooster will go running at her (and everyone else) because he wants to be picked up! Not aggresive at all with anyone.

My rooster (Henry) is not overly friendly. You can't stand and pat him but you can pick him up if you are quick and he is not aggresive at all. The biggest problem that we have with Henry is that he wants to get in the car all the time! I can barely get out before he is trying to jump in. So far it has worked for my mother and I both to pick them up and carry them around. Also, I never let him down when he wants to get down - he has to be calm and then I will put him down when I am ready. And lots of snacks - raisins are his favorite.

I had two roosters when we started this. I read an article about these two roosters that got along well and then while the people were away one killed the other! I was horrified and just worried all the time. We rehomed Sal.

I think that it is a good idea to try to work with them but you need to tell yourself that at some point for his sake and yours - you may have to let him go one way or the other.

Good luck! I'm sure that you will find some really good advice here!

 

[sourland]

You have far too many roosters for too few hens. Possible problems: gang breeding of hens causing pelvic problems, spur and toenail slashes to sides and back causing infections, excessive feather loss on backs and necks, decreased egg production because roosters are harrassing hens continually. The list goes on and on. Why keep a rooster who may cause serious damage to a small child or any person when you have no need for him? Listen to the common sense suggestions that others have given. It is just good animal husbandry.

 

[Kittymomma]

Quote:
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You say you couldn't eat him, but please consider at least dispatching him or giving him to someone who will eat him. It may sound mean or cruel to you but he's already went after one of your kids. How are you going to feel when he does it again, maybe in a few months when he has 2" spurs and can do real damage? It's not worth messing with a mean roo when kids are involved and it's a crying shame for any child to be afraid to go into the yard because they're afraid of the roo. Ultimately it comes down to what's most important to you.

 

[trooper]

I had some problems with a few roosters and after a few battles with a broom in hand they learned their place.It didn't hurt them,but got their attention real good.My daughter had one so tired that he sit back in a corner and growed,but didn't attact any more.It was a real attention getter and safe.My 4 year old Grandson gets in there now with no problem

 

[Blue]

I'd suggest getting rid of him too. If you don't want to kill him, then maybe you can find someone who needs a roo and doesn't have small children.

I recently swapped a bantam cochin roo that was starting to come after my legs (and my mom's) for another roo that I hope turns out to be better. My mom keeps telling me she misses him, but I feel relieved that I can now visit my little hens without worrying about the little heathen trying to flog my ankle when my back is turned. He got 3 chances, then I decided he needed to go. The new rooster is currently in quarantine, but I hope things turn out well with him.

I still, however, have my little silkie roo that for some unknown reason likes to grab at his hens just to jerk their feathers out or call them over for food and then try to peck them on their heads. I'm seriously thinking of getting rid of him next; I don't know what's going on in his little chicken mind. Anybody want a crazy silkie roo who walks with a limp? I think when he was free-ranging over the weekend, he may have tried to fight my new roo through the wire of the pen new roo is in and, subsequently, pulled something in his leg 'cause he's always kind of waddled along, but he didn't start limping until a couple of days ago. His feet didn't look any different from usual, so I put him back on the ground and have since started calling him Hop-a-long. ^_^

 

[bburn]

Just listen to what people are saying.

I had 29 chickens. Now I have 14.

I have 11 hens, 2 roosters and one no one can decide if he is Harry or Harriet.

Just the last three days I have had real peace in my flock. My husband left the state to go work and left me with 29 chickens. I told him we had to do something about the roosters....his mindset was that they would work it out. When they started getting mean with each other and started grabbing the hens I knew I had to do something. I built a chicken tractor and put the five worst ones in there until I could decide what to do....they decided for me....four ganged up on one and almost killed him....the one did not move for over five minutes and when he did the other started on him again. I opened the door and turned them loose and decided that if something got them that was meant to be.

I got up the next morning and all were still there. My DSS and his friend came up and processed 6 for me. I went to the chicken swap and sold four. Then I gave four away (DH did not like that at all) and last night I sold one. With each change in the flock there was a difference.

This morning I went out to put grass clipping in the run and the difference is amazing. My hens are all calm and chattering. Before they were spooked and nervous. The two roo's have not fought yet. They grew up together and seem to get along.....I know that could change but there is breeding going on and one is definately the top roo.....since all the others are gone.... and he seems calm and in charge. The other roo is calm also.

But I KNOW what can happen now....it is not worth what it does to the flock. I have decided that if there is agression between the two roo's I am going to devide the pen, put in a little tykes playhouse and separate the roosters. I like them both and they seem to respect me. Still, I don't let my grandaughter in the run anymore. She had been around the chickens since we got them but after the fighting started I refused to let her go in. I just know the changes I got within the flock have been worth it....peace at last.

 

[cat1994]

If i have to many roos I keep the nicest, prettist, and youngets roo of them all, than try to sell the rest or eat them

. Or if you really want to keep them all, beat them up, with a stick, broom, bucket they all worked for me

But if your not breeding them, than you dont need a roo at all