Sunshine Flock
Crowing
I love this photo!!
Henry the Rooster is VERY rooster, and when he began to sexually mature and would attack my ankles and bite hard whenever I entered their home space, I was sad and worried. I became fearful of him. But one day I made a decision to embrace everything about him that can make roosters challenging. I studied his behavior, I walked toward him when he would start to take steps in an effort to attack, I always stood my ground, and I carefully learned when and why he bites.
It's all 100% predictable, but the key is loving him so much you're willing to invest some time just sitting down and quietly observing him. You'll begin to notice patterns, and you'll see some unexpectedly sweet things, too. Soft happy chirps when he discovers a patch of hidden grass under the leaves or insects the others haven't seen yet; protective chatter when you take something from his chicken run or coop that he identifies as his; and the shear number of hours each day he's just another chicken in the yard, foraging for nibbles.
Roosters are darling, vivacious creatures. If you're willing to give him a chance, just sit and watch him. Learn his sounds. Toss some greens into their run and observe his movements relative to the others and the sounds he makes. Don't grab food bowls or the water dish when he's next to you. I've learned Henry so well I know when I can do this safely, but sometimes I forget and he lunges and bites.
Chickens are incredibly intelligent. They remember experiences and people. He'll gradually learn you're not to be feared and that you don't fear him. His instincts will still be there, but over time as he matures the frequency of attacks will lessen, especially as you learn him and stand your ground.
I was very concerned at first, and the bites are painful. But once I calmed down and committed myself fully to mastering my rooster, my interactions with him have significantly improved.
Some day you'll want to learn how to pick him up. Different situations will necessitate knowing how to do that. But roosters really shouldn't be viewed as pets, even though you can love on them as dear companions. I remember the day I decided I needed to know how to do this. I hesitated and he charged. I tried again and he bit me. Then I figured it out, grabbed Henry, and he chirped softly like a little baby.
It's proven useful, but even now I have to be careful when I pick him up, and I've had to do this multiple times a day for three months, even since he was attacked by a coyote.
What you're feeling and experiencing is totally normal. I started using a Mr. LongArm (fluffy blue head on one end to remove spider webs) to corral the chickens when they're free ranging and to keep Henry at a distance when putting the dogs in their yard. He goes after them because he sees them as threats to his flock. Mr. LongArm is always where I can get at it quickly.
I'm rambling because I'm hungry. Time for a late breakfast. Hang in there, and I hope this helps!!
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