Why is my rooster suddenly aggressive (viscious!)

[Jenny1967]

A chick hatched and suddenly our white leghorn rooster won't let me in the coop without flying toward me and pecking my back - and scratching my legs with it's tough talons! I'm guessing it is protecting the baby. But, if anyone has any thoughts about what to do with this dangerous rooster, please let me know. Otherwise, he may be dinner.

 

[Chickassan]

He's doing what he's wired to do protect his offspring. He sounds serious about it so seperate him from the flock at least until the chicks are out and about with mom then she'll do the protecting not him.

 

[azygous]

Leghorns can have mean temperaments. I had a good friend who had a leghorn roo that terrorized her. One day she'd had enough and shot him with her deer rifle out her kitchen window.

Depending on how old he is, you may be able to discipline him so he will respect and trust you, but it's a big job and you need to commit yourself to it. It's not for anyone who isn't assertive.

Other than that, you have two options - segregate him or eat him.

 

[bobbi-j]

He's not a bright rooster. The bright ones recognize the Bringer of Good Things and don't attack. When they are concerned about their keepers, they are not doing what they're supposed to do - protect the flock from real threats. Personally, I would not keep him around. Imagine the mess he could make if he gave you a puncture wound with those spurs! You would be at great risk for infection.

 

[Folly's place]

He's a liability, not an asset, and would do best in someone's crock pot. Retraining a rooster who's behaved so badly, so often, is likely not going to be very successful.
Deep wound infections are not fun!
Mary

 

[aart]

One day she'd had enough and shot him with her deer rifle out her kitchen window.

OhMan, almost lost a mouthful of coffee on that one!!

 

[Savanna’s chickens]

Grab him by the legs, hang him upside down, and show him to all the hens, he will see you as the boss and not EVER attack again, and it doesn’t hurt him at all

 

[bobbi-j]

Grab him by the legs, hang him upside down, and show him to all the hens, he will see you as the boss and not EVER attack again, and it doesn’t hurt him at all

Because this worked for one chicken, it is not a guarantee it will work every time. The chances are greater that he will attack again, but be more sneaky about it.

 

[Jenny1967]

He's doing what he's wired to do protect his offspring. He sounds serious about it so seperate him from the flock at least until the chicks are out and about with mom then she'll do the protecting not him.

Love your suggestion... and your quote. So true!

 

[Jenny1967]

He's not a bright rooster. The bright ones recognize the Bringer of Good Things and don't attack. When they are concerned about their keepers, they are not doing what they're supposed to do - protect the flock from real threats. Personally, I would not keep him around. Imagine the mess he could make if he gave you a puncture wound with those spurs! You would be at great risk for infection.

Thank you for the advice. My neighbor said the same thing!