What is my Rooster trying to tell me?

[stargirl]

Yes, that is the kind of communication I like to do with my roosters. Sounds like we're on the exact same page there.

Agree with all of this conversation - there’s a big difference IMO between a kick that forcefully kicks a bird some distance, versus using your boot like an armoured human wing to do some stern redirecting.

I fully accept that there may be birds and moments where a more firm approach is the only thing that works, but a responsible bird owner ideally has more than one blunt strategy in their tool belt.

So much comes down to reading your birds and responding appropriately in that moment.

For those concerned - the kids are big now (I’m now the shortest of us all ) and always safe due to the layout of the paddock and it’s fencing. They’re also armed with a hosepipe!

The whole strength of feeling towards roosters in the chicken community has been so interesting to learn about. I’ve not come across the same level of …waryness… anywhere else, even in falconry circles or people dealing with hyper aggressive rescue parrots. Obviously lots of birds can hurt you - both falcons and parrots can bite through bone and easily put you in hospital - but, perhaps because they’re seen as pets, not livestock, the tone of the conversation around aggression and behaviour management is usually very different for those birds.
You’d be chased off the forums if you said you’d so much as considered physically striking your bird, never mind cooking them if they wouldn’t comply .

I’ll keep you all posted on Eagley’s shenanigans, anyway! For now, I’m just so enjoying getting to really study and spend time with him, and that’s what it’s all about for me

 

[Karasu]

Agree with all of this conversation - there’s a big difference IMO between a kick that forcefully kicks a bird some distance, versus using your boot like an armoured human wing to do some stern redirecting.

I fully accept that there may be birds and moments where a more firm approach is the only thing that works, but a responsible bird owner ideally has more than one blunt strategy in their tool belt.

So much comes down to reading your birds and responding appropriately in that moment.

For those concerned - the kids are big now (I’m now the shortest of us all ) and always safe due to the layout of the paddock and it’s fencing. They’re also armed with a hosepipe!

The whole strength of feeling towards roosters in the chicken community has been so interesting to learn about. I’ve not come across the same level of …waryness… anywhere else, even in falconry circles or people dealing with hyper aggressive rescue parrots. Obviously lots of birds can hurt you - both falcons and parrots can bite through bone and easily put you in hospital - but, perhaps because they’re seen as pets, not livestock, the tone of the conversation around aggression and behaviour management is usually very different for those birds.
You’d be chased off the forums if you said you’d so much as considered physically striking your bird, never mind cooking them if they wouldn’t comply .

I’ll keep you all posted on Eagley’s shenanigans, anyway! For now, I’m just so enjoying getting to really study and spend time with him, and that’s what it’s all about for me

You sound like you've got a great basis with which to explore your bird's behaviour. What I like to tell people is to not listen to me, listen to your rooster.

 

[stargirl]

yikes poor Eagley!!!!!
I would not be happy if someone kicked my birds- though I understand its his land and everything....
But to laugh and decline an invitation to resolve the issue, is quite rude!
You are right, he doesn't know better- and I admire your attitude towards him!
I hope he continues to be sweet around your family, and that he will learn to tolerate other people. I appreciate the update!

Thank you!
I think we’re just both coming from very different places, ultimately. I’ll do what I can to give Eagley his best chance there, but the rest is up to him! xx

 

[stargirl]

You sound like you've got a great basis with which to explore your bird's behaviour. What I like to tell people is to not listen to me, listen to your rooster.

Ha! I like that and may have to steal it, if I may?
Thanks for all the input though, it’s always appreciated. Always useful and interesting to hear a range of experiences and opinions from folks in the know!

 

[Karasu]

Ha! I like that and may have to steal it, if I may?
Thanks for all the input though, it’s always appreciated. Always useful and interesting to hear a range of experiences and opinions from folks in the know!

Steal away.

 

[Crazychickengirl2]

Maybe you should feed him separately with Meat bird pellets?

 

[BelovedBirds]

Maybe you should feed him separately with Meat bird pellets?

Why meat bird pellets?
From what I gather he is a pet.

 

[Crazychickengirl2]

Why meat bird pellets?
From what I gather he is a pet.

I'm sorry. I was wrong. If you feed him more corn he should gain weight. I'm sorry. I just assumed it would help him gain weight and part of the reason why I said maybe.

 

[Liz Birdlover]

My Roos do that, as well. Currently, I have 10 Roos, only 1 can be a stinker at times, Barred Rock, my 1st Roo, mostly he likes me but Spring time he gives me stink eye & I have to say, "Rocky, now that's not very nice" & honestly, he does a laugh, I kid you not, he laughs & then I laugh which makes him laugh more. I need to get a video of his laugh. In his youth, he used to try & show off for the hens & run up behind me, as I had hands full carrying stuff, of course, he'd try to jump up & spur the back of my leg then run away laughing. I learned to side glance, see him approach out the corner of my eye, drop whatever I'm carrying & promptly lean in & scoop him up, tucking him under my arm. His expression was always one of shock & so hilarious. He's about 8 yrs old now, he has mellowed alot. I see his stink eye & tell him, "Now you just stop, I'm coming in to scoop poop" & he looks at the scooper & poop bucket then turns & walks away...I am not kidding, he knows when it's play game time vs. I'm doin quick chores b4 work & have no time for games.

My other 9, still sweet, love to be hugged & sit on my lap. They don't like strangers, but they love me, thank goodness, because I really love hugging them. They'll let me pick them up, sit on my lap, let me roll them on their backs & let me inspect them all over if I want to check for mites. They are all lover boys. Breeds are Wyandotte, RIR, EE & Buff Orpington. Even the ornery Barred Rock, when he was fiesty young, always behaved while sitting in my lap, though. It's like they all enjoy being fussed over.

Spring hormones make them more fired up in general, but I am blessed my Roos view me as their Loving Mama. I always talk to them in a soothing voice, too. They seem to understand when say "I want to check you over, come on now, be a good boy", and they just mellow right out & make their sweet sounds while on my lap. Hope yours will stay sweet, too.

As far as treats or watermelon, etc. the Roos will taste, then give it to a hen, then let the hens have it all! The only time my Roos actually get to eat any treat is if I take him aside and feed it directly from my hand. If any hen is nearby, though, a Roo will call her to eat it. So sweet!

 

[jBabychickn]

My Roos do that, as well. Currently, I have 10 Roos, only 1 can be a stinker at times, Barred Rock, my 1st Roo, mostly he likes me but Spring time he gives me stink eye & I have to say, "Rocky, now that's not very nice" & honestly, he does a laugh, I kid you not, he laughs & then I laugh which makes him laugh more. I need to get a video of his laugh. In his youth, he used to try & show off for the hens & run up behind me, as I had hands full carrying stuff, of course, he'd try to jump up & spur the back of my leg then run away laughing. I learned to side glance, see him approach out the corner of my eye, drop whatever I'm carrying & promptly lean in & scoop him up, tucking him under my arm. His expression was always one of shock & so hilarious. He's about 8 yrs old now, he has mellowed alot. I see his stink eye & tell him, "Now you just stop, I'm coming in to scoop poop" & he looks at the scooper & poop bucket then turns & walks away...I am not kidding, he knows when it's play game time vs. I'm doin quick chores b4 work & have no time for games.

My other 9, still sweet, love to be hugged & sit on my lap. They don't like strangers, but they love me, thank goodness, because I really love hugging them. They'll let me pick them up, sit on my lap, let me roll them on their backs & let me inspect them all over if I want to check for mites. They are all lover boys. Breeds are Wyandotte, RIR, EE & Buff Orpington. Even the ornery Barred Rock, when he was fiesty young, always behaved while sitting in my lap, though. It's like they all enjoy being fussed over.

Spring hormones make them more fired up in general, but I am blessed my Roos view me as their Loving Mama. I always talk to them in a soothing voice, too. They seem to understand when say "I want to check you over, come on now, be a good boy", and they just mellow right out & make their sweet sounds while on my lap. Hope yours will stay sweet, too.

As far as treats or watermelon, etc. the Roos will taste, then give it to a hen, then let the hens have it all! The only time my Roos actually get to eat any treat is if I take him aside and feed it directly from my hand. If any hen is nearby, though, a Roo will call her to eat it. So sweet!

I’m experiencing some of these things you talk about as well in my Salmon Faverolle boy as he’s maturing … He’s definitely my favorite!!

I do love and adore my girls of course, but he steals my heart! Especially, the snack-giving part!! I always take him to the side and give him extra Blueberries that’s just for him….
I think he knows that I love him extra special .. Heehee!