Now the Roo is acticng up.

[artemis]

My roo, Tiny Dancer, a gorgeous silver laced Wyandotte, has been a gentleman towards humans until today.  


Okay, two weeks ago he pecked once at my leg - I gave him the benefit of the doubt - maybe he saw a tasty tick and I certainly wouldn't want to deprive him of such nutritious food!   


Today was different.  I let them out to free range.  Much of the flock decided to follow me part way back to my house, including the rooster.  I was walking briskly, but that didn't deter the roo.  He came up from behind and  jumped at my leg, no gentle peck, this time.  What?  I turned around.  He looked angry and fluffed out.  I continued walking, and he did it again.  Fortunately, I'm wearing rather thick cords. This time, I turned and gave him a light kick.  Nothing to hurt, but something to dissuade, and let him know I was the dominant member of the household.  


He's a year old as of a week ago.  


If he keeps this up, I have no problem with culling him from the flock.  I'd rather not, but I will.  

[artemis]

He tried once again when I was in the back yard fixing up the chicken housing for future chickens. Pecked at me, but then the tarp I was setting up flapped (oncoming storm not yet hitting) and everyone ran, including him.

There were no difficulties shortly after that, when I was using blu-note on the hen-pecked hens within their run. He was around, but didn't get "involved".

[dawg53]

Sounds like typical rooster behavior to me...protecting HIS hens.

[artemis]

He does seem to be fine when they're in the run (or coop proper). It's outdoors he's feisty this way.

Yes, I'm hoping this means he'll lay into any would-be predator!

[seminolewind]

Perfect time for behavior modification. When he comes at you, come at him! Never back away. You should be the one to say "haha, made you move", then stalk him all over the yard. Stare right in his eyes. Worked for me about 95-99%. I like them to think of me as alpha roo, and dictate where they are allowed to stand or permitted to approach.

[artemis]

Working on that.  I'm not backing down from him.  


The behavior is not increasing, thankfully, so this may be making an impression.  Yesterday he was respectful of the hands (or actually, legs) that feed him.  

[seminolewind]

Hopefully it was just a phase!