Does my rooster need to go?

rabekah1734 said:

Hey there,

I’ve got a 7-month old EE rooster who is becoming a bit of an issue and I’m not sure what to do. He was a ‘surprise’ but I’ve kept him so far as he was good at keeping an eye on the 6 hens when they were free-ranging. But he isn’t really ‘needed’ for protection as they only free-range for about 30 min a day when I’m out there.

However… he is quite rough when he mates, and I’ve had to buy a few chicken saddles to cover up some bald spots on the hens. He is also getting (increasingly??) aggressive towards me, flying at me and biting me half the time when I touch the food and water or pickup a hen. I’ve raised him since he was a chick, and I’ve tried to pick him up and carry him now that he’s older to show my dominance. He won’t take treats from me either.

But it doesn’t seem to be helping. I’m unsure if I should wait it out to see if his behavior changes and mellows as he gets older, or if I should call it and rehome or cull him.

Thanks in advance!

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Karen Faber said:

Try using his chicken against him. . the rooster jumps on the chickens backs partly to show his dominance. Restrain your rooster with your hands while he’s on the ground. Don’t hurt him, but Push his breast onto the ground. When he yields, you’ll feel it. His knees will bend. Hold him down for a little while. Do not let him wiggle out from underneath you. Do this a couple of times a day until he behaves more respectfully.

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