However, in January 2023, tragedy struck when a raccoon penetrated the run and then the coop, claiming the lives of all but one hen, which was isolated at the time.
I repeated this oversight with Storm, my Deathlayer rooster. As a chick, I frequently handled him, yet once he moved outdoors, my interaction mainly involved spending time near him rather than engaging in regular handling.
Unexpectedly, he flogged me one day without any prior signs of protectiveness. Since then, we've made significant progress, although he hasn't completely warmed up to me yet.
Along with Storm, I currently have three additional roosters. Two of them will be rehomed soon, and I plan to keep the third. These three are experiencing their adolescent (puberty) phase, showing tendencies to nip, but with consistent handling several times a day, they remain quite tame.
It's important to note that most roosters (though not all) demand a bit more effort and a great deal of patience, yet the reward of their companionship is immense. For anyone contemplating adding a rooster to their flock, or unexpectedly discovering one (given that sexing is not always accurate), it's crucial to understand rooster behavior thoroughly.
Regrettably, there's a high number of roosters in need of homes. They're irresistibly cute as chicks, but as they mature and their hormones surge, their demeanor can become quite challenging.
