Backyard Fowl Keepers

Our 4-month-old rooster has started attacking me, and it’s getting out of hand. He was raised alongside our 4 pullets, but now that he’s started mating, the aggression is constant. I’ve tried spraying him with a hose, which helped briefly, but it didn’t last.

I’ve heard you can establish dominance by holding them down or pushing their head down, but when is the best time to do this? Do I act right when he attacks, or later? He’s hard to catch and honestly intimidating when he’s angry.

Would separating him from the pullets make his behavior worse? We aren’t looking to hatch chicks, but we’d really like to keep him if we can figure this out. Any advice?

Roosters often attack because they see you as a threat to their flock.
If you want to try the dominance method, do it immediately after an attack so he associates the correction with his behavior.
Be consistent but calm
Wear gloves if you’re nervous.
Separating him might make him more aggressive, as he’ll feel isolated.

He’s young and likely testing boundaries.
Try calmly asserting dominance right after he attacks by holding him down.
Never run away, it reinforces his behavior.
Consistency is key!

I think you can start by changing how you interact with him:
Walk confidently, Never run, and Avoid bending down near him as this can trigger attacks.

EggsAndGiggles wrote: Sun Jan 26, 2025 12:21 pm I think you can start by changing how you interact with him:
Walk confidently, Never run, and Avoid bending down near him as this can trigger attacks.

When he lunges, use a broom or your hand to gently push him back or block his movements.
If you decide to hold him down, do it right after he attacks
And be consistent every time.

Hormones are kicking in for your rooster. Try dominance training when he attacks—don’t delay correction. Walk tall, avoid reacting in fear, and consider carrying a deterrent like a broom to assert your space. Roosters can be trained with time!

It sounds like your rooster is maturing and trying to assert himself.
Spraying with a hose can be effective temporarily.
It’s not a long-term solution.

Instead, try the dominance method.
Hold him down gently but firmly when he attacks to show you’re in charge.

Timing is crucial, so do it right away when the behavior occurs.
Consistency is everything, so make sure everyone in your family approaches him the same way.
Separating him from the pullets might make him more aggressive due to frustration
So I’d focus on behavior correction instead.

However, if the aggression continues to escalate, it’s okay to consider rehoming him.
Your safety and peace of mind come first!

Rooster aggression is common when they hit mating age.

Establishing dominance can work when he attacks.
Gently but firmly pin him to the ground and hold him there until he stops struggling.

Do this calmly without causing harm.
Carrying a long object, like a stick or broom, can also help create distance and prevent attacks.

Separation might stress him out further, so try training first.

Hormones are kicking in for your rooster. Try dominance training when he attacks—don’t delay correction. Walk tall, avoid reacting in fear, and consider carrying a deterrent like a broom to assert your space. Roosters can be trained with time!

Keep in mind that separating him could make things worse because it might intensify his frustration. If you’re not planning to hatch chicks, it’s okay to consider rehoming or switching to an all-hen flock. It’s about what works best for your family.