Margalot Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Help! My lovely Florence attacked me yesterday! It wasn't too bad but he chased me all the way to the back door! He is just coming up to a year old, but up until now he has been fine lets me pick him up and takes treats from me. Yesterday they were fR'ing together and I went to put them back in as I walked toward him he charged at me, so I stood my ground and thought he would stop, but no he charged again and jumped at my legs with his huge feet, so by this time I thought I had best go back in, so retreated slowly but he kept on charging and flying up at me all the way to the back door!!! He has always been fine and let my in the run etc but I thought that maybe he was a bit more aggressive as he had to manage his hens in a bigger space? Anyway I went back out this time armed with a kitchen broom, not to attack him but just to push him away if it happened again!, but it didnt and he ate corn out of my hand. He is a brahma and is huge, is this a sign of things to come? I have heard that you should cuddle them more, and treat them but I am going to have to reconsider his position if he keeps this up, how could I ask someone to change their food and water when we go away if this is how he is going to behave!? does anyone have any advice on how to handle my ASBO cockerel! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 With caution I'm lucky that my big lads are pretty placid with me, but I had a bantam cock who used to attack my feet. Fortunately he was only wee and provided I wore shoes not sandals, no harm was done. There are different schools of thought (obviously, we talking chickens here!) - cuddling and calming or standing your ground and asserting your authority. I'm not sure which (if any) work though - sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Yep,Indiana hates me & hates my feet most of all. My Husband thinks its hilarious,but he darn well hurts of he gets you with one of his flying attacks For a bantam,he is pretty big. The only upshot is that as a Poland,he often can't see me coming! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Its probably the rise in hormones at this time of year. The usual advice is to pick them up and carry them about as a form of domination. Sometimes this works, sometimes not, and in the final analysis if he continues to be difficult and you/your family don't feel safe/comfortable then culling becomes the option which I know is harsh, but its not fair to rehome either in most circumstances Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 I've not had this problem, but I have read that you should never walk away as this makes the bad boy think that he can dominate you and chase you off when he feels like it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madchickenlady Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Eek That sounds quite scary. Is this cockerel adolesence? Maybe he'll calm down again? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 Just monitor the situation for now. Picking them up and carrying them about while you do your chores sometimes helps (but with a brahma thats probably easier said than done!!) Is he new to the girls? some cockerels do go a bit over the top when they first get their flock of ladies I had two Pekin cockerels that were really terrible last year. Sadly for them I decided that I wasnt happy to tolerate that One of their sons will be the Pekin boss this year, he started off feisty but has calmed down a lot thank goodness! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margalot Posted January 31, 2011 Author Share Posted January 31, 2011 I've not had this problem, but I have read that you should never walk away as this makes the bad boy think that he can dominate you and chase you off when he feels like it. I did stay for a while but only had my fitflops on at the time and believe me he wasnt going to stop! I must admit I felt a bit scared too! I will see how he is this afternoon when I get home ........I am going in the WIR, if you do not hear from me again assume that I never made it out! It was also first time I had visualised him as a meal though! looks like its going to be lots of cuddles from now on though I may invest in a pair of gloves Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jellykelly Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 He could just be trying to tell you that he'd like a more masculine name! Poor florence may be feeling emasculated (i hope thats the correct word) and is merely trying to point out that he is deserving of a 'butch' name! Now, bring on the cuddles!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 I hope everything's OK? Must be quite frightening. When I went to look at hens last year I mentioned that I wanted a cockerel and the lady there gave me a few pointers and let me look at one of hers who was very aggressive. I very nearly changed my mind. It was scary How, I thought, can you be intimidated by a bird But you can. I did a lot of research before I got my Vorwerk and he's lovely so far but he's only 7 months old. He is VERY loud though. Best of luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 I won't keep an aggressive cockerel around, but if it is just a young male hormone thing these are some things to try Don't let him mate a female with you nearby - shout and chase him off, otherwise he will assume he is the leader Don't let him feed before the girls - a subordinate bird would be prevented from feeding before the females Don't let him see you collecting eggs - as far as he is concerned they are his children not your breakfast If you pick him up hold his head and shoulders down, if necessary by holding the back of his comb - this makes him assume a subordinates position You don't really need to be aggressive with these actions, just let him know that you are in charge, but if he won't accept this - which more aggressive males may not do, then you will have to decide what is the best course of action.... All the best Sue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted January 31, 2011 Share Posted January 31, 2011 All the brahma boys I've seen are the softest things ever! In fact, Billy the Brahma at the farm, would have little 3 year old girls chasing after him to hug and then they'd carry him round Hope he calms down a it, probably trying it on a bit. If you do as others have said and show him you are dominant he might get the idea and not try it on again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margalot Posted February 1, 2011 Author Share Posted February 1, 2011 Thank you for your replies! I went into the run yesterday no problem at all though I was wary of flo's beady stare! He showed none of the aggression I had experienced on Sunday. I then spent the next hour in and out and picking him up for a cuddle (I did have corn in my pocket for a litttle treat!) He was fine and even had him sat on my lap and kept stroking him and talking to him softly! I did explain to him that this wasn't the way to behave and I think he took it in! (lets hope the neighbour wasnt in his garden ) I do think it may have had something to do with the flock FR'ing and he felt a bit stressed about protecting his girls who were all more interested in wandering off. I will persevere with the cuddling. He is a big softy really and always had been so thats why I felt a bit concerned about the attack! it came from nowhere. I will keep an eye on it though seeing as spring is on its way and Flo has lots of chickeny hormones rushing about! thank you Michelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted February 1, 2011 Share Posted February 1, 2011 Sounds better Good luck + hope he behaves himself! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Just wanted to bump this up as Indianas attacks on me have a newly heightened level of malice & evil, resulting in some very badly bruised a cut shins (MINE!) I can't even go into the hen pen any more,without him launching himself at me.In fact he rushes to the door & starts his little war dance when he hears the back door on the house close Picking the little devil up is not an option its a shame as he is really dulling my enjoyment of keeping hens at the moment,although I do understand he is just being a man..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margalot Posted February 18, 2011 Author Share Posted February 18, 2011 I am still wary of Flo too!, he is definately on standby mode! The other morning I went out in my fluffy red dressing gown (like you do!) and he ran at me, so not going to let my guard down. His stare is quite scary too because you just dont know what he is thinking Our 3rd hen has just come into lay, so only Lola to catch up and then we are at full capacity so he is in his element and very keen if you know what I mean! I am also wary of picking Flo up as the peck if it happens really hurts (he grabs skin!) Will persevere though Its a shame when you you have to anticipate an attack just going in to fill up the water! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WitchHazel Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 It must be the time of year! Our cockerel has always been a lovely natured boy, We raised him from an egg, and he spent his early weeks sittingon my shoulder. When he grew up and went to live on our Allotment with a small harem, everything was well. He's always been very happy to eat out of our hands, and we've never had any trouble. Recently, he's started to attack. Initially he had a few pops at my DH, and we kept making excuses for Roo. I went to the allotment last week, to clean out all the coops, and Roo started to attack me. DH told me it was the trug I was carrying, Then it was the Stalosan, Then it was because I was wearinng gloves. But he attacked me even when I didn't have anything, and he ended up badly bruising my legs. I've told him (and DH) that we're not putting up with this. I went on to explain to him that, yes, he can hurt me, more than I would hurt him... but, we're not keeping an aggressive cockerel. We've had that once before, and in the end it made trying to do the chooks a chore not a pleasure. I've told him he has the Benefit of The Doubt for a short time. In that time I'll believe that it's the time of year, or because he can hear a cockerel a few allotments away crowing. We'll be setting this year's dinner chicken eggs to incubate in March, and I will also be putting him with one of my Garden Girl Sassos, to see if we can breed a RooTwo as a potential replacement. (If not, we could easily raise one of his wives' sons, but they don't tend to be quite so easy to handle as he is/was) If his aggressiveness continues after the eggs have hatched, or if it gets worse after that, then he'll have to go. We found a new home for the previous aggressive cockerel, we may be able to find a new home for him. But whatever happens, we won't be putting up with this behaviour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hasnett Posted March 20, 2011 Share Posted March 20, 2011 We have the same problem with George - despite trying to win him over with cuddles or showing him he isn't the dominant male with various techniques - nothing seems to work - I really miss my girls! he's taking all the fun out of it. We're going to give him until mid summer - if he doesn't improve (he's a year old) he'll be replaced...which would be such a shame! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mostin Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 Just thought I would add to this as it is definitely "that time of year again" and the "sap is rising" . I have 4 big Sussex cockerels, and they have all been as good as gold.............. until yesterday Rodney, the Red Sussex is still a softy with me (so far!) but he is determined to fight to the death with any of the other boys he can even glance out of the corner of his eye. I am going to have to rethink the fencing. The two Buff Sussex boys, who run with my biggest flock have turned from cute little teenagers into evil stared monsters overnight. I don't try the cuddles with them anymore , I have too many scars from previous attempts with Big Bad Bill, another cockerel I had. I find a hose pipe of water in the face, just as they are creeping up on me, tends to have a good effect . The behaviour always gets worse when they are free-ranging. And if I need to need to pick a girl up for treatment who I know will squawk a lot, I make sure they are penned in, as they come running to protect her very quickly in those circumstances too. Strangely, so far, the best behaved one of my 4 is the son of Big Bad Bill . Maybe he is saving it all up for one big surprise attack on me . Big hugs to all the aggressive boy sufferers xxxxx. I keep telling them all to behave , once I have hatched all the chicks I want, they will be skating on very thin ice . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margalot Posted March 21, 2011 Author Share Posted March 21, 2011 I had a couple more attacks yesterday! they were out Free ranging all was well and my OH hadnt seen an attack so was shocked when FLo started trying to spar with me! (I did tell him it was an attack for goodness sake! ) I am sure he thought I was over egging the situation! Anyway to begin with I gave Flo a cuddle he is as quiet as a lamb when you pick him up, but Then after I put him down he turned straight around and pecked my hand! It was as if to say thats what you get for the cuddle. Then later he charged my legs, again silly me had my fitflops on and I shouted to my OH to grab him from behind and then he had his second cuddle (quiet as a lamb once again!) This time I stood my ground though and he didnt chase me I would love to know what he is thinking when he stares! Its quite scary you know. Flo must be just a year old about now so will see how he carries on. I am glad Im not the only one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bevmatt Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 Hi We have some big cockerels at home (this is a serious reply no jokes please!) We have 2 young children, 1 of which is literally as tall as the cockerel so his head and beak height is at my daughters eye level... So you can imagine how important it is for us to have well behaved cockerels... So... When a cockerel runs at you, you need to be brave pin him down and pick him up. Support his weight on your forearm and have his head tucked neatly under your arm and grasp his legs inbetween your fingers. The cockerel now should be nicely balanced on your arm and I would suggest walking around with him for 5/10mins with him in this position. He can't move and will feel nice and safe. After 5 / 10 mins put him down gently in the pen and stand there let him walk away and then you walk away (important otherwise if you turn your back and walk off he is the dominant one) Keep doing this for a few days and you should fine without fuss or bother he becomes tame. This time of year hormones are running high and it is only normal for the cockerels to be defensive of their hens... Wearing red is not a good idea - like a bull in a field it attracts the cockerels! Good luck - don't get into a fight it will only train them to attack more. Bev Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chuckmum6 Posted March 21, 2011 Share Posted March 21, 2011 It does seem to be the rutting season for our yearling cockerel, my last year hatch Onion peck me last week when I got one of his girls. As a result he has been frequently trapped and then carried about this weekend, he quickly runs away after grumbling. I am aware of him watching me with the girls so I have been walking quickly up to him, he backs off quickly fearing another cuddling session! The girls are very jealous of his advances to other hens also, when he was being amorous with Princess Layer, she was also being attacked by an enrage wife Jenny, this also happens with other wives too. Onion is very fair with his advances, although he has yet to conquer our Cream Legbar Tikka, when he does make approaches he is severely dealt with, she won't allow any hanky panky at all!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 The oddest thing happened this arvo. I thought I would let the hens & himself pootle about while I was in the garden & the weather was so gorgeous - the girls all came out & did chickeny stuff,but he refused & just stood by the door crowing his head off. Is someone good at cockerel psychology - why didn't he rush out in a blur of feathers & beak & try to kill me again? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 Too hot for all that effort? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
