Manfred and Robert
two problem goats
On the outskirts of Salzburg, a family keeps breed and mix chickens. During the last brood, two splendid cocks hatched: Manfred and Robert.
The two were very approachable from the start and the family's children were delighted with the two roosters. Manfred and Robert grew up and at some point they became rivals and fought for the place in the chicken group. Unfortunately, the enclosure was not designed to accommodate two rivals, so there was not enough room for two fighting roosters. The children no longer dared to go near their friends. With a heavy heart, it was decided to find a new home for Manfred and Robert.
A heart for animals
What had happened? Why were Manfred and Robert fighting with each other? Why were the children afraid of them? The roosters had been lovingly hand-raised - perhaps that's where the problem lies? Perhaps Manfred and Robert had become too attached during the rearing process? From sexual maturity, which occurs from the 26th week of life, it can happen that the rooster regards the human, to whom he has become accustomed, like another rooster, i.e. a rival. In Manfred's and Robert's case, the fight for the highest ranking position began. Both surely also instinctively felt that hens only put up with strong, high-ranking roosters.
By nature, the rooster knows that his job is to protect and, in an emergency, to defend his chickens. Manfred and Robert would never have stopped being rivals. Two roosters in the chicken family upset the pecking order in any case. If several roosters live in a chicken group, the space available must also be increased accordingly. Sufficient space in the coop, extensive run and a well-balanced chicken feed as well as a "harmonious" harem makes the rooster the happy head in the chicken family.
Aggressive roosters - what now?
If a cock is aggressive, the owner must have a "serious word" with him. The demeanour must be dominant, one must make oneself "big" and under no circumstances back away from the rooster. The aggressive rooster must avoid the human. Gently pushing it aside with a broom is more successful than kicking the aggressive animal with your foot. All this may or may not work.
Roosters that attack people can spoil the fun of keeping chickens, because sometimes an aggressive rooster with its sharp, powerful beak is also dangerous.
At Gut Aiderbichl Carinthia, Manfred and Robert are now having real fun, as the caretaker there, Markus, tells us. There is plenty of room for them to run around and escape. Every day, the two roosters greet us with a loud "cock-a-doodle-doo".
