why is my rooster dancing for me?

[chickmom137]

I have a 5mth old Rhode Island Red Roo. I have raised him from the time he was a few days old. I just got a couple girls for him to have as company because my Barred Rock died and he was lonely. When I introduced them, I noticed his dance around them and thought that it was really cute. This was fine as I figured it was a dominance thing. He now does this shuffle to me, the kids (and they are a little afraid of him now), as well as the lady chicks. I think it's cute, but I will pick him up and love on him and/or pet him as he dances to me. He did bite me the other day once, but I did not back down and proceeded to pet him then pick him up and love on him.
Not sure what this means toward me - is he becoming aggressive and a problem will soon begin? How do I control his demeanor to me and the kids? These are all pets and I do not want to get rid of him if at all possible, but I do not want to let him think he's the boss either.

 

[Leavingegypt]

It is a domminance move. He is assuming that you are a part of his flock and he not you is in charge. Not an expert as I just re-homed a roo that I was intimidated by. I have read people reccomending doing exactly what you are doing. Picking him up, but not to cuddle- to show him that YOU are the boss and not he. As to whether he will become aggressive, not sure- but I know dancing is not a good thing. Sorry~

 

[maidenwolfx80]

I have a 5mth old Rhode Island Red Roo. I have raised him from the time he was a few days old. I just got a couple girls for him to have as company because my Barred Rock died and he was lonely. When I introduced them, I noticed his dance around them and thought that it was really cute. This was fine as I figured it was a dominance thing. He now does this shuffle to me, the kids (and they are a little afraid of him now), as well as the lady chicks. I think it's cute, but I will pick him up and love on him and/or pet him as he dances to me. He did bite me the other day once, but I did not back down and proceeded to pet him then pick him up and love on him.
Not sure what this means toward me - is he becoming aggressive and a problem will soon begin? How do I control his demeanor to me and the kids? These are all pets and I do not want to get rid of him if at all possible, but I do not want to let him think he's the boss either.

Sounds like my fav roo. He is an easter egger bantam, he was and still is the first chicken to come greet me. Once he hit about the age of your RIR he started in with some aggression and will attack new comers feet and bite alittle if a hand is placed infront of his face. He has only attacked me once and it is because I kind of provoked it. He has a job to do and isnt a cuddly chick anymore. He will follow me around and talk to me and come sit on my lap as long as I do not touch he is fine to stay there. He stays here only because he will chase off cats and stand out in front of the flock even the turkey and stare down a cat. Excellent roo to protect your flock. I have told my kids if he begins attacking your legs or comes at you sideways dont back away that is what he wants, you have to take steps towards him and stalk him until he backs down. He has to see you as the leader when you are amongst the flock. Pick him up just like you are doing and pet him until YOU are ready for him to go. Try bringing lots of treats to butter him up and to remind him were the food comes from. I hope this helps it has with mine. Be patient and keep it up even if it takes awhile, it has to sink into that hard roo head of his.

 

[chickmom137]

I hope I can break him of this! Thank you for responding.

 

[chickmom137]

He has to see you as the leader when you are amongst the flock. Pick him up just like you are doing and pet him until YOU are ready for him to go. Try bringing lots of treats to butter him up and to remind him were the food comes from. I hope this helps it has with mine. Be patient and keep it up even if it takes awhile, it has to sink into that hard roo head of his.

Thank you for your post. I'm glad to hear that it worked for you and that by keeping it up that I should have better results. I will talk with the kids about not running from him. My son thinks its funny and tries to provoke it in a way - he even got the roo to chase him around the yard which was hilarious at the time. We didn't really think about it being a boss issue at the time. I am a new owner, so every experience is a new one. One reason I love this site is everyone's willingness to share and help. Thanks again!

 

[maidenwolfx80]

Thank you for your post. I'm glad to hear that it worked for you and that by keeping it up that I should have better results. I will talk with the kids about not running from him. My son thinks its funny and tries to provoke it in a way - he even got the roo to chase him around the yard which was hilarious at the time. We didn't really think about it being a boss issue at the time. I am a new owner, so every experience is a new one. One reason I love this site is everyone's willingness to share and help. Thanks again!

I agree, this site has helped me along the way and is still helping. We all continue to learn there is never a time were we know it all.
I think with cooperation from the kids and consistancy you can ay least calm the situation down. The aggressiveness will still be there just not in a big way, he will want to tell you he is boss and alittle of the sidestepping towards you isnt bad just dont back down or turn away and for sure dont provoke although I am sure that was a funny site

.Let us know how it goes.