Why would a MATURE rooster turn aggressive?

[Trish1974]

Posting for a friend (really!). Last spring I gave my bf's father an extra cockerel from my first clutch of Araucanas. I was under the impression he would grow him out and butcher him. HA! Weeks turned into months and months into a year, and said cockerel is now a 1 1/2 year old pet rooster living in a deluxe pigeon cage along side bf's father's garage. Bf's father called me last night telling of a brutal attack by this rooster who has never been aggressive before. He never did handle or cuddle the rooster, at most he would feed him out of his hand. About a month ago, he let the rooster start free ranging during the day. Yesterday evening, bf's dad said he leaned over to pick up a piece of wood, and the rooster started viciously attacking him from behind. He turned around and kicked him off, and the rooster came back at him a few more times. After the attack, dad said he went in the house for a little bit, saw the rooster go back into his cage, so he went out to lock him up. He said he leaned in the cage to pick up his food bowl, and the rooster came down on him attacking his head! Spurred his face about an inch below his eye! I felt so bad for him, I know his feelings are hurt (he really enjoyed that rooster) and I know he wanted answers on why that happened, but I have no idea what to tell him.

We often hear of the aggressive, hormonal, teenage cockerel - but what makes a mature rooster, with no hens to protect or no history of cuddling go rogue?? I have ruled out bloodlines. A full brother to this bird is the cock sire of my black/mottled pen, and he is as gentle as the day is long. I also keep in touch with a lady who bought another full brother for her grandson to show in 4H, and he is not mean. Any thoughts on the sudden aggression?

 

[centrarchid]

I suspect this started before rooster was released from cage. A lot of details not showing up in your description I need to asses a rooster / human interaction. Rooster was having issues with invader bring food and water to his cage, but move to free-range may have had rooster perceive BF's dad as a more significant threat that can be run off. Bird having chance to attack adult in face mean someone really not aware or has reflex issues. If keeper, not experienced with roosters or not really motivated to salvage rooster, then I suggest cull / rehome.

 

[Trish1974]

I suspect this started before rooster was released from cage. A lot of details not showing up in your description I need to asses a rooster / human interaction. Rooster was having issues with invader bring food and water to his cage, but move to free-range may have had rooster perceive BF's dad as a more significant threat that can be run off. Bird having chance to attack adult in face mean someone really not aware or has reflex issues. If keeper, not experienced with roosters or not really motivated to salvage rooster, then I suggest cull / rehome.

There was a situation this past winter where high winds blew something against the rooster's cage and he freaked out, breaking off the tip of his beak. BF's dad said he wouldn't eat for a couple days, and that is when he started feeding him by hand. He wouldn't eat out of a bowl but would eat by hand. That lasted maybe a week or two (beak has now grown back).
Interactions I see when I am there don't seem significant, but what happens on a daily basis I don't know. According to dad interactions are limited to filling his food and water, walking up to his cage and talking to him, and throwing in bugs and grass clippings.
He would be up for trying to salvage the relationship (I think). If you have any suggestions I could give him that would be great. And no, dad is not "chicken saavy".

 

[red horse ranch]

Spring breeding hormones probably have a lot to do with it. You said it when you said he has no hens to breed or protect. He needs a flock. But when they become human aggressive I'm not sure the rooster can be saved.

I've been going thru the same thing with my 1+ year old rooster. He has been submissive and very docile since he hatched. But the last few weeks he has been determined to kill my 2 year old rooster. I've been keeping them separate but I think one of them will have to go.... one way or another!

 

[centrarchid]

I would start by pulling up a chair very close to his pen and do something like reading. Rooster needs to get used to Dad without motivation to attack. Then get into pen more than what is needed to provide food and water.