Roosters don't train like dogs do - they learn differently. They don't want to please you; they want to dominate you. If you watch a group of young chicks, when one strays off and then returns to the flock, the dominant one challenges him/her briefly. Roosters do this when hens come back. If he's doing it to you, he's treating you like one of his flock and he's trying to be in charge of you. You have to establish that you are outside the flock pecking order. Always carry something with you, a stick, a broom, a screwdriver, doesn't matter what. Brandish it at him (but don't hit him). Don't let him get within a foot of your space unless you're coming after him. When he gets too close, poke him on the neck or move suddenly to startle him out of the way. He should always be on the lookout around you to do something odd. Pick him up if you can, to show him you can. Tweak his comb, pet his waddles and neck, etc. This is also helpful to get him used to being handled for health checks. Pick up his hens and brandish them in his face if he puts up any guff. Wait till he walks off before putting her down. Every day, remind him he's less than 10 pounds (lighter than most cats) and you can eat him any time you want (even if you won't; he doesn't know that and it helps boost your confidence when dealing with him, lol).
.... Do you think a small pre Fab coop would be OK? At the moment, with building a big coop.. it's all I can afford!
