So you have a rooster that wants to take on the world?

Since I first started raising chickens, I have always been amazed at the "I am King" attitude of some roosters.  Most roosters are good but anyone that has raised chickens knows what a "bad" rooster is like.  What first must be understood is that the rooster is doing what comes natural and that is trying to establish that he is at the top of the pecking order.  Where it becomes a problem is when a rooster takes command over you too.  This can especially become a problem if you have small children.  A rooster can cause some pretty nasty injuries to small children. 

 I can still remember the first chickens I raised.  Bought them as chicks at the local farm supply and raised them up.  I thought I had a bunch of easy going hens that were going to supply me with fresh eggs and a few good looking tame roosters that would let me know when it was time to get up in the morning.  My "good" roosters that would eat out of your hand made a whole sale attitude change one morning.  I had gone out in the morning to let everyone out and make sure the feed hoppers were full.  When I opened the door everyone made a quick exit as usual, except for one of the RIR roosters.  He came out and then did a quick about face and proceeded to flog me repeatedly.  After I got out of the pen he would strut up close to the fencing every time I would come around.  I talked to an old farmer down the road, he just smiled as I told him what was happening.  He said my first mistake was treating them as pets and not chickens.  He told me there are two ways to stop this and only two ways.  One was to let him know from the beginning that he will never be the boss of you....period and number two was that if number one didn't work than it is time to fire up the cooker.  From that day I have yet to have a rooster act like that one.  I won't say that I haven't had them try, only that I haven't allowed it to happen. 

How to tame that tough guy?  For some, you may just be able to chase him down, pick him up and hold him awhile that may be enough. I personally wouldn't advise using an object, stick, broom or rake, you should be able to get the respect you deserve from a rooster with an attitude without having to carry a weapon, after all, you don't see the dominate rooster carrying a broom around. 

One of the best ways to learn is watching the way the dominate rooster acts around the other roosters.  He is firm, consistent and always reminds the others that he is boss........you just have to do the same.  Always take the attitude that you are allowing the rooster to stay with your flock.  The hens are yours, the food is yours and he will do only what you want.  When you put the food out don't let him jump in first make him stay away just like he would with another rooster.  Another thing is to never let a rooster get comfortable around you.  If he starts to walk toward you take a run at him and let him know he is not to do that.  If you ever watch a dominate rooster, the others will steer clear of him.  When they don't, he will usually rough them up or chase them........you should do the same. Never allow a rooster to attempt to mate with one of the hens when you are close by.  Again, it is letting him know you are the boss.  These things can all be accomplished easily, the key is to be consistent and taking the time to be with your flock.