Aggressive rooster in the garden: what to do?

Noisier and more dynamic than his fellow chicken, a rooster can quickly become a source of trouble if aggressive. If you have children or other pets in your garden, here are some solutions.

Why is my rooster aggressive?

Territorial by nature, the role of the rooster is to protect hens in the presence of other roosters, intruders or predators. Therefore, it is normal that he sometimes behaves threateningly.

Additionally, as puberty approaches, the young rooster’s hormones make him combative. In spring, during breeding season, it is common for a rooster to adopt aggressive behavior to assert dominance.

Lack of socialization can also contribute to aggression. Those who have not had enough exposure to interactions with humans or other animals may be more prone to developing hostile behavior.

Finally, a noisy, dirty or cramped environment can also contribute to a rooster’s increased aggression due to stress.

Read alsoAdopting a Chicken: 5 Things to Know Before You Start

How to react when attacked by a rooster?

Roosters usually don’t attack for no reason. But what should you do when one of these animals starts charging at you?

First and foremost, keep calm and don’t approach head-on.
Try to keep a safe distance between you and the rooster facing him. Don’t turn your back on him, as this may encourage an attack. If possible, back up slowly and calmly while keeping an eye on the rooster. Try to move away from the coop and avoid sudden gestures or quick movements that could provoke an aggressive reaction from the rooster.

If you are still attacked, try to run away or protect yourself with an object such as a stick or branch to repel the rooster without injuring him.

As a last resort, if the rooster continues to attack and you are in danger, try to grab it around the neck to keep it still. Make sure you don’t seriously injure him.

If you’re dealing with a rooster with a somewhat fiery but still manageable temperament, it’s a good idea to take precautions before heading to the coop. It is recommended to wear gloves, strong clothing and shoes to avoid injury from beaks, claws and spurs.

How to calm down an aggressive rooster?

Always approach it calmly and carefully. You can try distracting him with food or treats to distract him.

Use training techniques to teach your rooster to obey simple commands like “back” or “down”. When he obeys correctly, reward him with treats. In addition, regular and gentle handling from a young age can help reduce his aggressiveness.

If aggressive behavior persists despite your best efforts, consider consulting a veterinarian or animal behaviorist for further advice. In some cases, castration can be an option to reduce aggression in roosters.

If your rooster is aggressive toward other pets, consider separating him temporarily to avoid conflict and injury.

Finally, if despite all your attempts at training and socialization, the rooster remains dangerously aggressive, it may be necessary to find him a new, more suitable environment… or simply settle him down.