Aggressive Rooster Behavior: Why I Had to Get Rid of My Rooster (and Yes, We Ate Him)
- leslie3170
- Apr 8, 2025
- 3 min read
When I first got chickens, I was convinced I needed a rooster. You know, to keep the girls in line, protect the flock, maybe even hatch some chicks down the road. It seemed like the complete backyard chicken dream setup.
At first, I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. I mean, roosters are supposed to be protective, right? But it quickly crossed the line from protective to possessive maniac. Pretty soon, every time I stepped outside, I was under attack. He’d come flying at me like I was the biggest threat to the coop. It got to the point where I’d call out to my dog just to help distract him long enough for me to walk across the yard in peace. And let me just say: if you don’t feel safe in your own backyard because of a chicken, it’s time for that chicken to go.
The Dog, the Rooster, and the Rumble
Now, the rooster and the dog? That was pure entertainment. Our Australian Shepherd is trained to gently round up the chickens each evening, but she also happens to think that literally everything is a game. The rooster would puff up, posture, and make a dramatic scene charging her—and she’d light up like it was the best part of her day.
Tail wagging, playful dodging, doing spins in the yard while the rooster huffed and puffed? It was hilarious. Honestly, the dog probably started half of it. She loved the drama, and the rooster could never keep up.
He may have thought he was in charge—but the dog always had the upper hand (and the better sense of humor). Short video of that below for pure entertainment, haha.
Mean to the Hens, Too
While the rooster's antics with the dog were mostly just chaotic entertainment, things with the hens were another story. He was hard on the girls—constantly chasing, mounting, and stressing them out. We had nine hens to his one, which should’ve been enough to keep things balanced, but nope. He ran the coop like a tyrant in feathers.
They couldn’t dust bathe in peace or eat without him barging in and asserting his dominance. It was exhausting just watching it. And honestly, I started to feel bad for the hens. They deserved better.
Even during the calmest moments, he still carried himself like a little dictator—strutting like he owned the yard, acting like he had a say in everything from where the hens stood to who got to eat first. And if anyone, human or hen, questioned his authority? Game over. He strutted around like he ran the place—always watching, always interfering, like everything in the yard was his business.
Eventually, I had to face it: this rooster was doing more harm than good.
So, we gave him the final job he was suited for—dinner. (And let’s just say, he wasn’t exactly tender.)
After he was gone, the whole vibe shifted. The hens settled down almost instantly. It was like they all let out a collective sigh of relief. Dust baths resumed. Pecking order drama cooled off. My dog got bored. And I, finally, could walk across my own yard without watching my back with the aggressive rooster behavior.
Looking back, I don’t regret giving a rooster a shot. It taught me a lot—about flock dynamics, breed temperament, and trusting my gut when something isn’t working. But I also learned that sometimes, the best thing you can do for your flock (and your sanity) is to let go of what’s not serving you—no matter how loudly it crows.
Aggressive Rooster Behavior: What to Know Before You Get One
If you’re considering adding a rooster to your flock, here are a few things to think about first:
Temperament matters. Not all roosters are aggressive, but some breeds (like Rhode Island Reds) are known for being a little... spicy.
Have a back-up plan. Rehoming a mean rooster isn’t easy, so know ahead of time what you'll do if it doesn't work out.
Nine hens is usually enough. But even with a good ratio, some roosters are just rough.
You don’t need a rooster for egg production—only if you want fertilized eggs or more flock protection.
Watch for early warning signs. Charging, staring you down, and aggressive mating behavior are red flags.
Need a coop (but not a cocky rooster)? We build custom chicken coops for flocks of all shapes and sizes that are built to last with an absolutely beautiful aesthetic —minus the drama.