My cockerel just attacked me - will he have to go? :(

[DaisyMooSteiner]

Just went to let the chickens out and as I was coming back up the garden with them (they free range at this time of year) the young Araucana cockerel went for me several times. In the end I had to climb over the fence into our neighbours' garden to get away from him!

He's fairly young - 5 months or so and I've had several cockerels in the past who've never come close to going for anybody. We wanted to keep him to breed from him, but obviously don't want the kids to be attacked and nor do I want to be a prisoner in my home!!

Any suggestions?

bump

Don't let him bully you. Next time he does it, rush straight after him - it's not like he can do any damage unless you put your face in the way of his beak or claws. Grab hold, pick him up and hold him very firmly under one arm, give him a good stroke unless you need to hold his neck to stop him pecking. And have a chat with him. And keep doing this from time to time. If it's easier, grab him when he comes out of the hen house before he's even shown you his spurs.

My favourite cockerel only went for me once, he was so humiliated at being cuddled in front of his girls that he never reoffended.

I currently have one young idiot that offers me food. I think I'd prefer it if he thought I was male challenger rather than one of his girls!

One of mine (now deceased the evil bastard - ha ha! -but that is another story) tried this on with me a few times. I gave him a good kick with my wellies and he maintained a healthy distance from that point forward

I watched our beautiful little chick break out of his egg and helped his mum look after him. Months later he changed overnight into a vicious cockerel. When he attacked DD1 by flying into her face and chasing her he had to go. TBH I have never had much luck with cockerels.