Why Didn't My Rooster Attack Me?

[lovemy6hens]

We are having our cockerel euthanized this afternoon because he started attacking the pullets. They are all 8 months old and have been together since they were 3 days old. Why did he suddenly started this and why didn't he attack me?

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

We are having our cockerel euthanized this afternoon because he started attacking the pullets. They are all 8 months old and have been together since they were 3 days old. Why did he suddenly started this and why didn't he attack me?

When you say "attacking" the pullets - what, exactly, was happening?

 

[lovemy6hens]

He would randomly walk over and grab them by the head from the front.  He would also run up behind them and flog them with his partially grown spurs.
[Edit: He would run away after flogging them.]

 

[aart]

He's full of hormones and trying to figure out how to mate.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

He's full of hormones and trying to figure out how to mate.

X2 - I don't think I'd euthanize for this, but it's your bird.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

It's just mating as stated. They are rough at first trying to dominate the pullets and figuring it all out themselves. Once the pullets start submitting and squatting for him it will settle down. He'll also likely be taking some feathers from backs when mating (or attempting to) until he's got his technique down.

 

[Fancychooklady]

Young roos take some time to get it right. I've seen older hens beat young cockerels up for even ' trying it on '. Your poor little guy is just like a clumsy teenager , it will take a few months before he becomes Don Wuan. If he's not flogging you , that makes him a keeper.

 

[lovemy6hens]

Thank you for your replies! He was doing fine with the girls until recently. I didn't think to explain that he was aggressive toward other people. It's just me he never attacked (I'm certain he eventually would though). I just don't understand why he hadn't gone after me before he went after the girls.

 

[aart]

I don't think they usually don't attack people until they are sexually mature and are trying to protect the flock/territory.

 

[centrarchid]

Nor do they usually attack people, rather it is the exception when they do so.