What is this grumpy little thing?

[redinator]

X2 ??

it's the same little nugget In all these pictures. So at 5weeks & 5 days, you can tell?

It means I agree. You usually can't always tell that early, but some are pretty obvious as early 2 weeks. Especially if you have a few of the same breed and can compare combs and wattles.

 

[Jenneh85]

It means I agree. You usually can't always tell that early, but some are pretty obvious as early 2 weeks. Especially if you have a few of the same breed and can compare combs and wattles.

This is the 3rd roo I've ever gotten from shoppers supply the others were astrolorps (mean boogers) and they said 100% they were all hens. I knew right away they were wrong this morning. It hasn't crowed yet, it's not bigger then the others it's just the comb in being different .

Thanks for the information. It's a sweet chick so far loves cuddles (for now)

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Not a good idea in general, to cuddle a cockerel. This will most likely backfire at 4 months when puberty hits and he decides to being you into submission, along with the "other" pullets in his harem. We hear this all too often! "Familiarity breeds contempt" was never more true than when applied to chickens. Treat him like you do the others. Which is to say, feed, water and do not handle.

 

[Jenneh85]

I c

Not a good idea in general, to cuddle a cockerel. This will most likely backfire at 4 months when puberty hits and he decides to being you into submission, along with the "other" pullets in his harem. We hear this all too often! "Familiarity breeds contempt" was never more true than when applied to chickens. Treat him like you do the others. Which is to say, feed, water and do not handle.

I cuddled them all sadly... couldnt help it they were just cute floofs . Now though with them being so hyper u don't but I do give them treats in my hand. No more cuddling. And since it's a roo would he be a meanie like the astrolorps?

Jersey giants are new to me I read some stuff but it doesn't really speak of rooster behavior.

 

[redinator]

I c

I cuddled them all sadly... couldnt help it they were just cute floofs . Now though with them being so hyper u don't but I do give them treats in my hand. No more cuddling. And since it's a roo would he be a meanie like the astrolorps?

Jersey giants are new to me I read some stuff but it doesn't really speak of rooster behavior.

I also wouldn't hand feed. I did with my first batch and every time I'd reach out to touch them they'd peck my hands looking for treats.

I cuddle the chicks that seek attention and only handle the rest when it's necessary, girls or boys. Some like it, some don't.

My first two males were standoffish at a week old, so I only handled them when necessary. One would tag my ankles on occasion, until a broody had chicks in the yard, then it was all out warfare just to go out to fed them.

When I culled him the second male went after me and one of my dogs . . . he got penned (held down) until he stopped fighting to get up. It's been a few weeks and he hasn't come after me since. I figure I'll give them once to learn a lesson, then they're dinner.

I have a 3rd male, an EE cockerel, that follows me around the yard like a puppy begging for treats. He loves a good muff scratch. And doesn't shy away from a chest scratch . . . will this backfire later, IDK, but I'm not going to ignore him . . .he's too damn cute.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

My BJG never attacked me when he was grown, he was a right gentleman. But in the brooder as a baby - my goodness, he was full of himself! He was the only male in the box and whenever I put my hand in to change or fill the feeder or waterer, he would come chest-bump my hand. He was maybe a week or two old. It was kind of cute, but at the same time, not. I decided to chest-bump him back, with my hand. We got into a contest. Every time he bumped me, I bumped him back, just a little harder. He kept on and kept on. Finally I gave him a pretty convincing thump. I felt bad. I thought, poor baby, that had to hurt. He staggered backward, hesitated, thought about coming at me again - and didn't. I was glad. And that was the end if it. He never challenged me again. And as I said he grew into a pretty good guy - right up until the day a coyote got him and 4 of my lovely Aus hens.

 

[Jenneh85]

I also wouldn't hand feed. I did with my first batch and every time I'd reach out to touch them they'd peck my hands looking for treats.

I cuddle the chicks that seek attention and only handle the rest when it's necessary, girls or boys. Some like it, some don't.

My first two males were standoffish at a week old, so I only handled them when necessary. One would tag my ankles on occasion, until a broody had chicks in the yard, then it was all out warfare just to go out to fed them.

When I culled him the second male went after me and one of my dogs . . . he got penned (held down) until he stopped fighting to get up. It's been a few weeks and he hasn't come after me since. I figure I'll give them once to learn a lesson, then they're dinner.

I have a 3rd male, an EE cockerel, that follows me around the yard like a puppy begging for treats. He loves a good muff scratch. And doesn't shy away from a chest scratch . . . will this backfire later, IDK, but I'm not going to ignore him . . .he's too damn cute.

I have always held my chicks, gave them treats, watched movies with them and they all ended up great hens. Roosters though once i get them - I seem to not have great luck with them. This booger was either hungry or didnt like my hand going into the brooder this morning and reminded me of a tiny little toothless raptor grabbing onto my hand and pecking me while i grabbed the feeder tray...

I gave him a scoot with my hand and hand and he came back 2 more times. I will be posting him once he crows.....I dont need a jersey giant raptor trying to peck at my ankles while getting eggs...

Thank you for all your advice and I admire your knowledge of roosters, but they confuse me.

 

[Whittni]

I don't agree with the handling part re roosters. I would say it actually varies heavily based on their breed and individual disposition. I dont have any tolerance for aggressive or overly skittish flighty birds. One bad one spoils the bunch. If you're more cutthroat with your flock member standards, you may found more satisfaction in getting the flock you actually want personality wise. Flock curation if you will...