Roosters make Great Pets if you don't mind crowing-early in the morning and if you have the time and patience to give them attention and training. Roosters have larger combs, wattles and tail feathers than their female counterparts, and are well known for protecting their hens and crowing in the wee hours of the morning. The following are a list of questions our viewers have asked about roosters as pets and our answers. Hopefully this will help answer some of your questions too.
Do Rooster's make good pets?
Answer:
Yes, some do! Roosters of most breeds, if raised from a baby chick, have been handled regularly, and roosters isolated from hens tend to be very affectionate and intelligent and make good pets.Wild, unhandled, and older roosters can be tamed and make good pets too but is not recommended. It is not a good idea to play fight with your rooster. It may be cute when they are young but you will have a problem when they grow spurs as they grow older and want to challenge you every time you step outdoors. It is good to discourage this behavior at an early age. Roosters, even hand tamed one's tend to get aggressive when going through puberty. If they start to become aggressive, tell them NO very firmly and if they do not stop cage the rooster for a few hours. Every time they try to fight, cage him. If he still does not get the message, cage him for several days. He will figure it out and the next time you let him out he won't mess with you. (See what to do if your rooster turns mean). Not all roosters make good pets because some roosters have more of their natural wild instincts. Roosters who are teens or adult or have not been petted and handled as a pet chicken when you get them may not adapt to being a pet rooster and would make a better flock protector than a pet.
Q: What breeds of Roosters tend to be less aggressive?
A: Almost all roosters who are kept with hens can get aggressive from time to time while trying to protect their hens. Most standard size breeds are happiest when they have 6-12 hens each. Pet roosters who have never had or seen a hen are just as happy mating with a stuffed toy...or your shoe. In my experience, Serama and most other breeds of Bantam Roosters tend to be much less aggressive than standard size breeds, especially if they have never been with a hen.
Q: Do Pet Rooster's need hens?
A: Rooster's prefer hen companions so if you want to keep one as a personal pet you will need to let him have his free time with his lady hens. If you raised him from a chick and he has never been around hens before then he will learn what you teach him easier. If there are no hens around when your pet rooster reaches puberty he may try to mate with stuffed toys, balled up socks, or your foot! Rooster's tend to get somewhat aggressive when they reach puberty, so it is a good idea to have a few hens around for him. If you do not have any hens for your rooster and even if you do, your rooster may decide you are one of his hens too, if you are female and if you are male and he may try to bully you a bit so that you know all the hens belong to him. Scroll down to see more questions and answers about roosters as pets
Q: Is it okay to get my child a house pet bantam rooster?
A: I would NOT recommend getting your child a pet rooster and if you do get a pet chicken for your child you need to make sure that your child washes their hands properly after handling them, never let your child play with chickens without goggles on because birds tend to peck at things and could peck at your child's eyes. Trim the roosters spurs just above the blood line to prevent accidental spurring. Children can easily play to rough with animals and chickens bones are fragile. An accidental fall from a child's arms could cause the bird to land on it's breast bone which could break it and cause a very painful death for the bird. Children should never be allowed around chickens unsupervised and studies show children under the age of 5 do not have mature immune systems and should not handle chickens or be exposed to chicken feces. Older children are not always responsible when it comes to taking care of pets so you would need to supervise and make sure the birds are properly cared for on a daily basis.
Answer:
Yes, some do! Roosters of most breeds, if raised from a baby chick, have been handled regularly, and roosters isolated from hens tend to be very affectionate and intelligent and make good pets.Wild, unhandled, and older roosters can be tamed and make good pets too but is not recommended. It is not a good idea to play fight with your rooster. It may be cute when they are young but you will have a problem when they grow spurs as they grow older and want to challenge you every time you step outdoors. It is good to discourage this behavior at an early age. Roosters, even hand tamed one's tend to get aggressive when going through puberty. If they start to become aggressive, tell them NO very firmly and if they do not stop cage the rooster for a few hours. Every time they try to fight, cage him. If he still does not get the message, cage him for several days. He will figure it out and the next time you let him out he won't mess with you. (See what to do if your rooster turns mean). Not all roosters make good pets because some roosters have more of their natural wild instincts. Roosters who are teens or adult or have not been petted and handled as a pet chicken when you get them may not adapt to being a pet rooster and would make a better flock protector than a pet.
Q: What breeds of Roosters tend to be less aggressive?
A: Almost all roosters who are kept with hens can get aggressive from time to time while trying to protect their hens. Most standard size breeds are happiest when they have 6-12 hens each. Pet roosters who have never had or seen a hen are just as happy mating with a stuffed toy...or your shoe. In my experience, Serama and most other breeds of Bantam Roosters tend to be much less aggressive than standard size breeds, especially if they have never been with a hen.
Q: Do Pet Rooster's need hens?
A: Rooster's prefer hen companions so if you want to keep one as a personal pet you will need to let him have his free time with his lady hens. If you raised him from a chick and he has never been around hens before then he will learn what you teach him easier. If there are no hens around when your pet rooster reaches puberty he may try to mate with stuffed toys, balled up socks, or your foot! Rooster's tend to get somewhat aggressive when they reach puberty, so it is a good idea to have a few hens around for him. If you do not have any hens for your rooster and even if you do, your rooster may decide you are one of his hens too, if you are female and if you are male and he may try to bully you a bit so that you know all the hens belong to him. Scroll down to see more questions and answers about roosters as pets
Q: Is it okay to get my child a house pet bantam rooster?
A: I would NOT recommend getting your child a pet rooster and if you do get a pet chicken for your child you need to make sure that your child washes their hands properly after handling them, never let your child play with chickens without goggles on because birds tend to peck at things and could peck at your child's eyes. Trim the roosters spurs just above the blood line to prevent accidental spurring. Children can easily play to rough with animals and chickens bones are fragile. An accidental fall from a child's arms could cause the bird to land on it's breast bone which could break it and cause a very painful death for the bird. Children should never be allowed around chickens unsupervised and studies show children under the age of 5 do not have mature immune systems and should not handle chickens or be exposed to chicken feces. Older children are not always responsible when it comes to taking care of pets so you would need to supervise and make sure the birds are properly cared for on a daily basis.
Q: Will my pet rooster follow me around like a dog?
A: Your pet rooster will follow you around in much the same way as a pet dog would if you allow him to do so and develop a relationship with him by talking to him, hand feeding him, and petting him.
Q: Can Roosters Be a Home Alarm System?
Roosters have natural instincts to protect their flock and will alert their owners if someone or a predator comes to your home and have been known to aggressively protect their owners, if they feel that their owner is being threatened or in danger if they have developed a trusting relationship with them.Q: Can I potty train my pet rooster or hen?
A: Some roosters can be paper-potty trained or house broke but it takes an extreme amount time and patience-not discipline. Roosters do not respond well to discipline they have a natural flight or fight instinct. They can be potty trained or housebroke but not by traditional methods used to train a dog or cat. Potty training takes longer if you slack on your training. To potty train them you have to catch them in the act and loudly tell them "NO! Bad boy! NO!" and then put them outside or on a puppy pad or even a toilet. They will be scared the first few times you do this and may respond aggressively. Be patient and repeat this pattern. When your rooster potties in the right place be sure to give him plenty of praise for doing a good thing. Rooster's are rather arrogant and do not like to be pushed around but they also like to get your approval and affection. Before you know it your rooster will go to the door and crow when he wants to go potty or go outside to play. While some Roosters will not house break because their natural instincts are very strong others will cooperate just because they can tell you are pleased with them. Use word association just as you would train your dog or cat. Tell the rooster to go potty when you take him outdoors. If he goes potty indoors tell him NO, NO bad chicken potty inside and take him and his poop outside. Place the poop where you want your rooster to poop and tell him good boys potty outside. Use the word potty or one you associate with it and use it every time your rooster poops. If you go to work or someplace where you cannot take your pet chicken or you do not want to take the time to train your chicken you can always use a chicken diaper but remember you also have to change the diaper. See chicken diapers
Keep scrolling to see more questions and answers about pet roosters.
A: Your pet rooster will follow you around in much the same way as a pet dog would if you allow him to do so and develop a relationship with him by talking to him, hand feeding him, and petting him.
Q: Can Roosters Be a Home Alarm System?
Roosters have natural instincts to protect their flock and will alert their owners if someone or a predator comes to your home and have been known to aggressively protect their owners, if they feel that their owner is being threatened or in danger if they have developed a trusting relationship with them.Q: Can I potty train my pet rooster or hen?
A: Some roosters can be paper-potty trained or house broke but it takes an extreme amount time and patience-not discipline. Roosters do not respond well to discipline they have a natural flight or fight instinct. They can be potty trained or housebroke but not by traditional methods used to train a dog or cat. Potty training takes longer if you slack on your training. To potty train them you have to catch them in the act and loudly tell them "NO! Bad boy! NO!" and then put them outside or on a puppy pad or even a toilet. They will be scared the first few times you do this and may respond aggressively. Be patient and repeat this pattern. When your rooster potties in the right place be sure to give him plenty of praise for doing a good thing. Rooster's are rather arrogant and do not like to be pushed around but they also like to get your approval and affection. Before you know it your rooster will go to the door and crow when he wants to go potty or go outside to play. While some Roosters will not house break because their natural instincts are very strong others will cooperate just because they can tell you are pleased with them. Use word association just as you would train your dog or cat. Tell the rooster to go potty when you take him outdoors. If he goes potty indoors tell him NO, NO bad chicken potty inside and take him and his poop outside. Place the poop where you want your rooster to poop and tell him good boys potty outside. Use the word potty or one you associate with it and use it every time your rooster poops. If you go to work or someplace where you cannot take your pet chicken or you do not want to take the time to train your chicken you can always use a chicken diaper but remember you also have to change the diaper. See chicken diapers
Keep scrolling to see more questions and answers about pet roosters.
Q: Do Rooster's like to be petted?
A: Most rooster's hand-raised from chicks like to be held, petted, and talked to but even roosters who seem to be wild or unhandled can be tamed if you have patience. Most roosters do not like to be held or petted in front of their hens and may act aggressively, however, if you take him somewhere that he cannot see or hear his hens he will tolerate affection in most cases. Pet roosters who have never been around hens tend to be the friendliest and most likely to want to be held and petted. All roosters will pay attention when you talk to them. Be careful not to talk loud, aggressive, or mean to him as his natural instincts could kick in. Teach your rooster to trust you by isolating it from other birds, making you his only contact. Offer him treats from your hand and pick him up daily to pet him. Be very careful as wild roosters can become very aggressive. Wear protective glasses and gloves until he gets used to you.
Rooster's who have not been tamed domestically and allowed to run wild on a farm will probably not make a good pets for urban pet owners unless they have been tamed. The rooster will be miserable and may even try to escape in an effort to regain his freedom unless he learns to trust you. If you have hens he is more likely to become a good yard bird that will protect your hens with his life.
Q: Is it okay to play fight with my rooster?
A: Even very tame roosters can become aggressive if handled roughly. Play fighting may be cute when they are young but it is not advised because when the rooster gets older he will play rougher and he may wish to play when you do not want to or he may become aggressive toward you or other pets if you play fight with him because this will bring out his natural protective and aggressive instincts.
Q: Are chickens smarter than dogs?
A: Recent studies indicate that chickens may be smarter than dogs and have the intelligence level equivalent to small children.
Chicken intelligence: Q: Can I get a rooster if I do not have any hens?
A: Yes. You can have a rooster with no hens but keep in mind that rooster's are known for their prowess with the ladies and are happiest if they have hens to take care of. If you can provide him with two to six hens he will be one very happy boy. If you can only have one chicken and want a rooster you can provide him with an imitation mate. A single rooster as a pet is fine (small Bantam breeds are best for pet chickens) but he will want lots of your attention. If you do not have time to spend with him he will get lonely. We have found that stuffed teddy bears and other stuffed toys work well for larger breeds and a balled up sock or smaller stuffed toy will work for bantam roosters. Make sure the toys are washed in anti-bacterial soap at least once a week and make sure their imitation mates do not get rained on or wet from spilled water or feces. If they do wash their imitation play mates and return them as soon as possible as your pet rooster will get upset when he can not find his fake mate. Roosters raised from chicks who have never had a mate tend to make the best pets. Once they actually mate some roo's become aggressive and no longer want to be a beloved pet particularly during puberty but show a distinct preference for their natural instincts and want to be with hens.
Q: Can rooster's get along with other pets?
A: Rooster's generally get along well with other pets that they are raised around or have been slowly introduced to. When introducing your rooster to other backyard pets make sure he is caged until they get used to each other. You don't want your Roo' to get hurt nor do you want to see your other pets get their eye pecked out. If you see your dog alert, drooling or even too excited around your rooster-separate them immediately. Dogs will sometimes wrestle or play with roosters and the rooster will play the game but dogs can snap a rooster's neck unintentionally in a matter of seconds.Keep cats separated from your rooster unless they have been raised around chickens and until they have been properly introduced via cages for a few day
Q: Can I physically discipline my rooster without activating his aggressive instincts?
A: Never ever slap, kick, or physically discipline your chicken or any other bird. They have very fragile bones and you can cause internal damage to vital organs and death with just a light slap. Hitting your bird is abuse and it is illegal to abuse your pet.
Q: Can I teach my rooster to do tricks?
A: Rooster's learn very quickly and are eager to please their owners but sometimes they just want to do their own thing. When they are cooperative you can teach them to do tricks. It is best to start training them when they are baby chicks but older roo's learn quickly what pleases you and what does not.Q: Is it okay to let my rooster fight with other roosters?
A: It is inhumane to allow roosters to fight one another and it is illegal. Rooster's will fight to the death. If you are thinking of getting more than one rooster you had better have a lot of hens or put each rooster in a large penned area with his own hens and coop. Search for ASPCA Cockfighting laws
A: Most rooster's hand-raised from chicks like to be held, petted, and talked to but even roosters who seem to be wild or unhandled can be tamed if you have patience. Most roosters do not like to be held or petted in front of their hens and may act aggressively, however, if you take him somewhere that he cannot see or hear his hens he will tolerate affection in most cases. Pet roosters who have never been around hens tend to be the friendliest and most likely to want to be held and petted. All roosters will pay attention when you talk to them. Be careful not to talk loud, aggressive, or mean to him as his natural instincts could kick in. Teach your rooster to trust you by isolating it from other birds, making you his only contact. Offer him treats from your hand and pick him up daily to pet him. Be very careful as wild roosters can become very aggressive. Wear protective glasses and gloves until he gets used to you.
Rooster's who have not been tamed domestically and allowed to run wild on a farm will probably not make a good pets for urban pet owners unless they have been tamed. The rooster will be miserable and may even try to escape in an effort to regain his freedom unless he learns to trust you. If you have hens he is more likely to become a good yard bird that will protect your hens with his life.
Q: Is it okay to play fight with my rooster?
A: Even very tame roosters can become aggressive if handled roughly. Play fighting may be cute when they are young but it is not advised because when the rooster gets older he will play rougher and he may wish to play when you do not want to or he may become aggressive toward you or other pets if you play fight with him because this will bring out his natural protective and aggressive instincts.
Q: Are chickens smarter than dogs?
A: Recent studies indicate that chickens may be smarter than dogs and have the intelligence level equivalent to small children.
Chicken intelligence: Q: Can I get a rooster if I do not have any hens?
A: Yes. You can have a rooster with no hens but keep in mind that rooster's are known for their prowess with the ladies and are happiest if they have hens to take care of. If you can provide him with two to six hens he will be one very happy boy. If you can only have one chicken and want a rooster you can provide him with an imitation mate. A single rooster as a pet is fine (small Bantam breeds are best for pet chickens) but he will want lots of your attention. If you do not have time to spend with him he will get lonely. We have found that stuffed teddy bears and other stuffed toys work well for larger breeds and a balled up sock or smaller stuffed toy will work for bantam roosters. Make sure the toys are washed in anti-bacterial soap at least once a week and make sure their imitation mates do not get rained on or wet from spilled water or feces. If they do wash their imitation play mates and return them as soon as possible as your pet rooster will get upset when he can not find his fake mate. Roosters raised from chicks who have never had a mate tend to make the best pets. Once they actually mate some roo's become aggressive and no longer want to be a beloved pet particularly during puberty but show a distinct preference for their natural instincts and want to be with hens.
Q: Can rooster's get along with other pets?
A: Rooster's generally get along well with other pets that they are raised around or have been slowly introduced to. When introducing your rooster to other backyard pets make sure he is caged until they get used to each other. You don't want your Roo' to get hurt nor do you want to see your other pets get their eye pecked out. If you see your dog alert, drooling or even too excited around your rooster-separate them immediately. Dogs will sometimes wrestle or play with roosters and the rooster will play the game but dogs can snap a rooster's neck unintentionally in a matter of seconds.Keep cats separated from your rooster unless they have been raised around chickens and until they have been properly introduced via cages for a few day
Q: Can I physically discipline my rooster without activating his aggressive instincts?
A: Never ever slap, kick, or physically discipline your chicken or any other bird. They have very fragile bones and you can cause internal damage to vital organs and death with just a light slap. Hitting your bird is abuse and it is illegal to abuse your pet.
Q: Can I teach my rooster to do tricks?
A: Rooster's learn very quickly and are eager to please their owners but sometimes they just want to do their own thing. When they are cooperative you can teach them to do tricks. It is best to start training them when they are baby chicks but older roo's learn quickly what pleases you and what does not.Q: Is it okay to let my rooster fight with other roosters?
A: It is inhumane to allow roosters to fight one another and it is illegal. Rooster's will fight to the death. If you are thinking of getting more than one rooster you had better have a lot of hens or put each rooster in a large penned area with his own hens and coop. Search for ASPCA Cockfighting laws
Q: What do Roosters Eat?
A: You should feed your rooster a complete and balanced chicken feed, scratch, cracked corn for bantams, or whole corn for regular and larger breeds. If he does not have access to grass and dirt you will need to provide Grit, fresh dirt, vegetables, meal worms and grass for him to eat in addition to his regular feed. Make sure he has a constant supply of feed and fresh, clean water. Put his food in sealed rodent proof containers at night and return it too him first thing in the morning. Q: What should my bird eat if he is a showbird?
A: If you intend to take your pet chicken to poultry shows you may need to give them an extra boost by giving them show bird feed which will make their feathers brighter and shinier, promote stronger legs, less fat, and helps them digest their food better. You can give your pet rooster show poultry feed additives to make him healthier.
Q: Do I need to deworm my pet rooster?
A: Yes you need to deworm your rooster and other chickens (chooks) regularly, just as you would your dog or cat.However be sure to use a dewormer that is meant for poultry, chickens, chooks and follow the directions carefully.
A: You should feed your rooster a complete and balanced chicken feed, scratch, cracked corn for bantams, or whole corn for regular and larger breeds. If he does not have access to grass and dirt you will need to provide Grit, fresh dirt, vegetables, meal worms and grass for him to eat in addition to his regular feed. Make sure he has a constant supply of feed and fresh, clean water. Put his food in sealed rodent proof containers at night and return it too him first thing in the morning. Q: What should my bird eat if he is a showbird?
A: If you intend to take your pet chicken to poultry shows you may need to give them an extra boost by giving them show bird feed which will make their feathers brighter and shinier, promote stronger legs, less fat, and helps them digest their food better. You can give your pet rooster show poultry feed additives to make him healthier.
Q: Do I need to deworm my pet rooster?
A: Yes you need to deworm your rooster and other chickens (chooks) regularly, just as you would your dog or cat.However be sure to use a dewormer that is meant for poultry, chickens, chooks and follow the directions carefully.
- See 7 Ways to Prevent Worms from Infesting Your Chickens