@porkpal I thought the rooster and I had settled our dominance issue, but apparently not. Whenever I go into the chicken yard, he actively avoids me and stays in the far corner when I clean the coop, change out water, or whatever. He has very recently figured out how to hop up to the top of the fence and often struts up there for much of the day. No problems. He's now hopping down onto the yard side and doing some free-range grazing. I don't much care, I have a couple hens who also do that. They all can hop in and out when they want, haven't done any particular damage to my gardens, and generally prefer to be inside the yard with the flock rather than outside. To round them up, I just open the gate to the chicken yard and calmly walk them back in (both hens and the rooster). All appeared to be good.
On Sunday, the rooster was hanging outside the yard and I was going back and forth loading up our camper. That bugger decided to ambush me and I luckily heard his little pitter-patter feet behind me on our sidewalk, turned around and he was coming at me all fluffed up. He totally startled me, and I screamed and ran (not the best idea but I was caught by surprise). I grabbed a rake and chased him back inside the chicken yard, then left for an overnight fishing trip.
I have not yet done the head-down treatment, and am prepared to instigate that -- but have a huge question -- is that going to only establish MY dominance with him, and is he going to continue to challenge other humans? I am particularly worried about small children. I also don't want to have to watch my back every time I am crouched down weeding in my yard. Ruminating over my fishing pole (no bites), I have pretty much come to the conclusion that he just isn't going to work out and we'll likely eat him. I've had roosters before and have always found them to be pleasant non-aggressive animals. I don't think I need this strife. Pity, as he is a gorgeous rooster and a real good protector of his flock.
