What to do with Leo?

[In His Service]

I have a Buff Orp rooster, Leo, about 1 year old. He is a pretty good rooster for his girls, and has been very good to the 9 chicks one of the girls hatched out. But, he is somewhat aggressive to me and very aggressive to my DD (12 yrs old). He is a really big boy and my daughter is kind of afraid of him. My DS and DH are bucking me, but I think I should process him, and either let his two sons grow up and choose one of them, or get a new roo in the spring (new blood lines).

Reasons for processing Leo:
1) I could let all the LF birds free range at the same time, only one grown rooster (in another run/coop) so no fighting

2) the hens could grow some feathers back. (I only have 5 BO hens with Leo and their backs are getting quite bare.) I have two 3 month old pullets, and 2 or 3 almost 2 month old pullets that will be in there next year so hopefully they will keep their feathers a bit better.

3) why keep a big aggressive rooster over winter that will only add to the feed bill if I don't want fertilized eggs now?

4) I am thinking that the little boys that are 2 months old now will be old enough next spring to "lead" the flock



Reasons for not processing Leo:

1)I know that some roosters mellow out with age

2) with new youngsters there are no guarantees as to behavior




Any one else have any thoughts?

 

[drumstick diva]

He is a danger to your daughter - time for soup

 

[mk4lh]

Mine headed to the freezer. I tried alot of the suggestions that are listed for calming a aggressive roo and none of the worked. I've heard too many horror stories of children being hurt by roos also. Although I don't have any kids around I couldn't do anything in the pen without keeping one eye on the roo. My vote is process.

 

[sourland]

Your reasons for offing 'Leo" are far more significant than those for keeping him-- add to that the most important factor- he is a danger to your daughter. Why take the chance of permanent damage to her?????

 

[itsy]

Quote:
X2 Soup time

 

[In His Service]

Thanks, silly, I know, but I just wanted to hear it from someone else. DH and DS will be upset with me, but they will get over it, DD might not.