Dealing with Aggressive Cockerels

[OverWyreGrower]

Help! I've never had an aggressive boy before... and now I've got 3!

All our cockerels so far have either been very friendly, or a bit skittish and shy, but easy to deal with.

I've got 4 Welsummer boys, who I hatched this year in the same pen with an older male (who isn't a bother). We moved them into a larger pen on Monday night. They were fine yesterday morning, but all attacked me when I went in to feed them.

Luckily, my wellies stopped their advances (they have no spurs etc, as they are young), but they went for me several times. Of course, they were rebuffed with the feed bucket and my feet!

Is this because they are in a new pen with more space and are just getting their testosterone on??

I'm not looking to keep them all, and any I can't rehome will be for the pot, but I'd rather not have to defend myself every morning!!

Any tips??

[shirlthegirl43]

The only instance of a grumpy cockerel I ever had was a buff bantam who was a right royal PITA and flew at you every time you went in the run. We used to carry a coal shovel or plastic spade and hold that up to ward him off, if he flew a second time he got swatted. Eventually he got the message. I think G4 gets the award for most tolerance of a wayward cockerel though so she will prolly have the best advice for you.

[chris]

I don't have the experience myself, but I'm sure I've read that people pick the aggressive cock up and put them under their arm and hold them firm - I'm guessing it's a show of dominance. With three though, not sure - perhaps they can't establish who's boss and need to show it on you?

How big is your freezer?

[OverWyreGrower]

How big is your freezer?

Definitely big enough for these troublemakers!!

[vicky]

I have noticed lots of 'activity' over the last few days from my cocks as they've got the idea it's spring and the testosterone's rising... They are competing for the dominant position and you're just another competitior! My boys date with the freezer is shifting closer....

[petal]

I always despatch aggressive roosters. my dad says their nasty nature passes on to their young. Funnily enough, my roosters are VERY wary of me. I wonder why...?!

[Polly Fouracre]

Strange you should say that Petal. I have been dispatching cockerels at the rate of two a day and even Archie, my pigeon-sized Dutch bantie cockerel who usually terrorizies me has taken to finding something VERY INTERESTING at the other end of the field these mornings!!

[binley100]

You could always try Snadge's method of chucking eggs at them ..........

[Glutton4...]

Hosepipe - full pressure! Failing that, bucket of cold water. They HATE it! It also works on Dogs, and on Horses that kick their stable door for attention! I'n not very tolerant, am I!?

I now carry a long stick with me when I go in the run, and if Asbo thinks about coming close, I chase him, and poke at him with the stick. He doesn't bother now. Every two months or so, I catch him with the fishing net, and leave him sat there for about 15-20 minutes. It doesn't hurt him. Or me!

[walldanzig]

Im very wary of my cockeral he's a bugger. usually every 3 months he will have a go and the problem is he doesn't back down. I pick him up and hold him upside down for about a minute. He doesnt like that and leaves me alone for a while. I prefer him a bit agressive keeps the local cats on their toes. He even tackled the geese once that was hillarious he was up in the air and a big patch of feathers missing after about 30 seconds

[Glutton4...]

Asbo is scared of my Geese - they chase him. In fact, they helped me round him up and corner him, once!

[petal]

Well there is one cockerel I do not trust and thats George the buff orpington. He doesn't actually get you he just makes himself look mean, then I boot him up the arse!!!!

[Glutton4...]

Are we related, Petal?

[Two_Sheds]

water squirter - it works on my aggressive parrot

[petal]

Are we related, Petal?

LOL! you never know!