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All of our roosters that were loved and handled daily and kissed and snuggled by my daughter have developed a mean streak (to varying degrees). I think they lose that healthy fear of humans that roosters *should* have. They start to see their doting handlers as part of "their" flock and will treat us accordingly. The one rooster that was hatched and raised by our plucky little broody hen has been our best rooster yet. The hen did not let us handle her chicks so they have never been very good "pets" but the guy has grown up to become an excellent rooster. I never have to worry about him getting too close to me or anybody, and he is VERY good to his ladies. Now when we're able to identify the chicks that are cockerels, I make it a point to handle them less. My daughter, however, has this inexplicable affinity towards roosters and I'm constantly reprimanding her about treating them like teddy bears.

It's just what I've seen from personal experience. Some cockerels will be evil no matter what. Some cockerels will be awesome no matter what. Seems like RIR roosters have a tendency to become aggressive. My RIR bantam roo was my best buddy until he bit me when he was four months old. Then he tried to flog me when he was a year old. Then I got rid of him. Sometimes it's just hormones and they'll mellow out a bit when they're a little older. I just didn't want him around any more - not like I'd ever trust him again.

Sorry to hear that about your guy. It makes me sad when cockerels get that way.

-Naomi