Vicious Roosters

[MaryN]

SD, it's a territory thing as far as the cockerels go. You have to show them who is boss. Next time one of the feathery chaps goes for you, grab it if you can and press your hands down firmly on its back so that it goes into a squat. Hold it there for a while, just to let it know it is under your control, then release it. If this does not work, I suggest a dustbin lid! Dominant cockerels may well see your children (particularly if they are near to their own height) as a territory threat, and there is not much you can do about that.

Cockerels do not normally attack their own hens. They may well fight each other for territory though.