Wow ... Grrr... Sigh Rooster.

[Bunnylady]

Butter, checking his tweets after a guest appearance at Easter time.

This guy was a sweetheart his entire life (a Serama, though a rather big one). Never the least sign of aggression from him; you could just walk over and pick him up and he was perfectly content. I have another Serama that I never will be able to trust. Every once in a while, he is going to come after me. I've tried being gentle, I've tried roughing him up (just how rough can you be with a small bird that you could kill without even trying?!), but it makes no difference in the long run. He'll give me space for a while, but sooner or later, he's going to try it again.

Some birds may "come around" with handling, but I wouldn't count on it.

 

[BantyChooks]

View attachment 1215616

Too cute!

 

[Hamiam]

i'm sure every situation is different but if I had killed my little buddy when his hormones kicked in instead of taking time to love him then I would have lost out big time View attachment 1215572

He looks like a Love Bug!

 

[bobbi-j]

Good point, I forgot to mention that. Roosters give a lot of warning (usually) before they attack.

Unfortunately, those signs may not be recognized by inexperienced chicken keepers. They may think it's "cute" when that "friendly rooster" follows them everywhere they go, when really that bird is just biding his time, waiting for the chance to flog or spur them.

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!!

Sounds to me like Henry has you trained, rather than the other way around. If you had him trained, you would be able to grab water or food dishes, one of the hens, or do anything else you please no matter where that bird is.

OP, you're right - you cannot take the chance of a puncture wound from a rooster's spurs. I think it's wise to get rid of this bird.

 

[sumi]

@sumi needs to do at another Rooster topic of the week again...

Topic/Question of the Week: Aggressive Roosters - What is the best way to handle them?

 

[birdofhermes]

Unfortunately, those signs may not be recognized by inexperienced chicken keepers. They may think it's "cute" when that "friendly rooster" follows them everywhere they go, when really that bird is just biding his time, waiting for the chance to flog or spur them.

LOL

 

[BantyChooks]

Unfortunately, those signs may not be recognized by inexperienced chicken keepers. They may think it's "cute" when that "friendly rooster" follows them everywhere they go, when really that bird is just biding his time, waiting for the chance to flog or spur them.

True, that. I have seen many that have their roosters go bad by the simple fact they are handling them entirely incorrectly. I feel bad for the birds and the owners.

 

[Sunshine Flock]

Unfortunately, those signs may not be recognized by inexperienced chicken keepers. They may think it's "cute" when that "friendly rooster" follows them everywhere they go, when really that bird is just biding his time, waiting for the chance to flog or spur them.


Sounds to me like Henry has you trained, rather than the other way around. If you had him trained, you would be able to grab water or food dishes, one of the hens, or do anything else you please no matter where that bird is.

OP, you're right - you cannot take the chance of a puncture wound from a rooster's spurs. I think it's wise to get rid of this bird.

On the contrary.

Come spend a day with me and see for yourself.

There's your school of thought, and then there's mine. He rarely bites anymore, partly because he is maturing, but mostly because I have learned how to work with him.

Be careful imposing your own experience with roosters as the law.

 

[bobbi-j]

True, that. I have seen many that have their roosters go bad by the simple fact they are handling them entirely incorrectly. I feel bad for the birds and the owners.

It took me a while to figure out that I need to start training my cockerels as soon as I figured out they were males. No more picking up and holding as babies, and as they grow, I get n their space, make them move away farm me, and in general let them know I am the boss. Haven't had a problem since. If I get a stupid one that can't figure it out, he'll be invited to the house for supper.

 

[bobbi-j]

On the contrary.

Come spend a day with me and see for yourself.

There's your school of thought, and then there's mine. He rarely bites anymore, partly because he is maturing, but mostly because I have learned how to work with him.

Be careful imposing your own experience with roosters as the law.

I haven't had a rooster bite, flog or try to spur me in years. See above post.

I'm not trying to "impose my experience as law". Just pointing out that more often than not, hugging and cuddling a rooster (as in, adult bird of mating age) is not going to make a tame bird that you can fully trust. You said that yourself when you pointed out that yours still bites you.