As chickens grow, their temperaments may change. Roosters are more likely to have their temperaments change as they get older.
When many roosters are young, they are kind and more docile. But, as they grow older, they may become more of a bully. This is important because roosters need this temperament to help protect their hens and babies. There is a major change when they are about one year old. Some breeds of roosters may not change their temperament. Some breeds are simply known for being more aggressive, like Leghorns. We had two leghorn roosters. When they reached a year of age, they started attacking us. When they were babies, they ate from our hands. This does not mean that they don't like you, it's just what some roosters do. They don't have a choice--it's all in their hormones and how they mature. Even some hens have a change in their temperament, also. These changes can be because of too many roosters, too few roosters, having babies, or illness. Orpingtons, hens and roosters, most likely will not have a major change of temperament. This breed, along with others like silkies and cochins, tend to remain docile into their old age. But, that doesn't mean that they will all remain super sweet. Lucy, our bantam cochin hen, for example, experienced a major change after she hatched out her last baby. She went from being very sweet to suddenly killing a new flock member. This is very unlike a cochin, but it can happen. This doesn't happen to all chickens. Many, like Goldie, Fluffy, Mottie, Big Mama, Poser, and Whiny haven't changed at all in their two and a half years with us (even if we do wish some would, like Whiny and her constant noise-making!). So, don't get discouraged if you come across a chicken who has a sudden change. It has nothing to do with you, but it's just chicken logic!
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Just two brothers
Nanners & Mashers are brothers who just want to share their birds with the world. Archives
April 2016
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