When/Do Rooster Hormones "Level Out"?

[Alaskan]

Oh, and some of my roos are broody raised, others are incubator/ in a box/cage raised with a wide range of interaction (from little for some groups to lots for others), still for me it is mostly genetics. (Not all genetic,but genetic is a huge component)

 

[Chickassan]

You can get a nice rooster from a hatchery, I have one.
You can handle a rooster and not ruin him, done on the daily here.
Agree totally on the multi generational flock, the older girls are stern but excellent teachers.
Agree on space issues, even the best rooster can turn if crowded.
Definitely agree on genetics being a huge factor, if the rooster isn't nice to begin with then the other points are moot.
I'm fairly hard to please when keeping a rooster, no shenanigans! His job is too important, can't be a decent alarm if he's too busy being a jerkwad.

 

[aart]

You can handle a rooster and not ruin him, done on the daily here.

I thinks this takes a 'special' human, one with just the right demeanor, tho I couldn't explain the details of it.

 

[Chickassan]

You're correct,it does not hurt a thing to be a weirdo.

I thinks this takes a 'special' human, one with just the right demeanor, tho I couldn't explain the details of it.

 

[aart]

You're correct,it does not hurt a thing to be a weirdo.

I didn't mean 'weird'.

 

[Chickassan]

Just the best way I could put it.

I didn't mean 'weird'.

 

[Mrs. K]

To me, the real point is: some will work out fine and really are a joy to have in the flock. Some are truly dangerous, and especially dangerous to small children. MANY people underestimate the violence of a rooster attack until they see one.

Always solve for the peace of the flock, and for the peace of your family. My own coop is down by the barn, but many people on here, have chickens in a corner of their backyard that their children play in, sharing the space with the chickens. Those people need to be very careful with the attitude of a rooster.

Mrs K

 

[Darlaceleste]

I just bought 2 ducks and 2 hens at TSC. They are now 4 weeks old and I just realized that I have 1 hen and 1 roo.. He is a RIR and already hates me.. He was so sweet and cuddly a few days ago.. I'm taking him to a local farm tomorrow because it is prohibited to have one in my neighborhood.. and most importantly, he is hurting the other guys and me..

 

[Granitestater]

I suppose I need to learn from your combined experiences and save my grandchildren from a rooster attack.

They just visited me this weekend and I witnessed my 18 week old RIR rooster posture for an attack on her. She was swinging on a rope swing and he was trying to eat something beneath her ... so as she would swing over him he took that as aggression from her. And he did the pose for attack ... but I suppose he is too young to have spurs.

I have a large pen. I see no reason why I couldn't always manage even a mean rooster by just not entering the coop until he's in the pen. But he was just hired on for his musical charm so he's on a short leash.

I would say supervise strongly and give him a break cuz he doesnt understand, right? Can you pen him when the kiddos visit? Ive got 9 roosters and we make it work. Theyre good little souls, doing the best they know how with those damn raging hormones. They settle down ALOT around age 2. They watch and warn for hawks like champs

 

[Granitestater]

I said small kids i speaking of toddlers and yes they are important to the survival of chickens but rooster no matter how sweet can be unpredictable. And from other flock owners when i was facing my rooster problem said that they were to dangerous to have around small kids. My daughter is two and poses no threat she was walking away from the hens when he attacked her for no reason. It would have been different if she was hurting a hen or chasing them but she doesnt do either. She feeds them treats and food along with helping with water and other things. He should not have seen her as a threat but he did. Whether he was being what he was or not was not the point he was a danger to my child safety and she comes first. After hearing how small kids have lost their eyes because of a rooster attack or they were hurt severally i dont believe it a risk anyone should take with a small/young child that cant protect themselves.

I believe the adult in charge has to supervise very closely knowing the power of testosterone on the male chicken. If its a danger keep the small child and the rooster apart. When kiddo is bigger get her protective boots and help her and him be safe together, always being at her side and teaching why he acts that way. I have a bunch of boys and grandkuds and know grandkuds can be kept safe with suveillance and strong supervision. It take alot of energy.