Flogging Rooster Drama: Why Roosters Attack and How to Handle Them before You End Up At Urgent Care!
3-28-2018
Flogging Rooster Drama: Why Roosters Attack and How to Handle Them
Taking care of chickens is often rewarding, but sometimes it involves unexpected challenges—like an aggressive rooster. Here’s what happened when I was attacked by my Silver Laced Polish rooster and what I’ve learned from the experience.
The Incident: Rooster Gone Rogue
While feeding my chickens their evening stew (a delicious mix of pasta, beef broth, tomatoes, cilantro, and garlic added to their 20% protein diet), I encountered chaos. As I entered their pen with a freshly cleaned dish, my Black Frizzle Polish hen flew at my face, knocking the dish from my hands. Before I could react, my Silver Laced rooster decided it was his time to shine—or attack—by flogging my hand.
Add two days of rain, slippery mud, and chicken poop to the mix, and you’ve got the perfect storm. As I slipped and tried to recover, I noticed a deep puncture wound on my hand, courtesy of the rooster’s sharp spurs.
Why Do Roosters Attack?
Roosters are naturally territorial. Their behavior often stems from instincts to protect their flock. Here are common reasons for aggressive rooster behavior:
- Dominance: Roosters may see you as a threat to their position in the pecking order.
- Hormones: Roosters, especially during mating season, can become more aggressive.
- Overprotection: Roosters instinctively defend their hens, even against humans.
Understanding these behaviors can help you manage your flock more effectively.
The Aftermath: A Painful Reminder
That night, the wound on my hand throbbed, swelled, and made it hard to move my fingers. A trip to urgent care confirmed the risk of infection from bacteria often found in soil and chicken droppings.
Key Takeaway: Always treat rooster injuries seriously. Poultry spurs and claws can introduce harmful bacteria into your system. I received a tetanus shot, antibiotics, and some much-needed advice on wound care.
How to Handle Aggressive Roosters
If you have a rooster with a bad attitude, here are some strategies to manage them:
- Establish Authority: Show your rooster that you’re in charge by calmly standing your ground.
- Use Tools: A broom or stick can gently guide an aggressive rooster away without harm.
- Train Young Roosters: Handling them as chicks can reduce aggression later.
- Limit Exposure: During hormonal peaks, reduce your time in their space if possible.
Are Roosters Worth the Trouble?
Despite their aggression, roosters play a vital role in the flock. They protect hens from predators, help maintain order, and, of course, fertilize eggs for hatching. However, if a rooster becomes too aggressive, rehoming or separating them from the flock might be necessary.
Final Thoughts and a Laugh
In hindsight, the situation was both painful and amusing. I couldn’t help but laugh when explaining to the urgent care staff how a “ninja rooster” caused my injury.
While the little troublemaker’s behavior was frustrating, I’ve learned valuable lessons about rooster management. Here’s to hoping for a more peaceful coexistence in the future!
Have any tips for dealing with aggressive roosters? Share them in the comments below!
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