This is Jules. He’s a polish buff laced rooster. Jules hates to be touched. I felt compelled to blog a second time this week to give the disclaimer after my last post extolling the virtues of hands on training for friendlier roosters. Even within my own flock, one size does NOT fit all. Like so many other things in life, one formula, even a very effective one, will not be suited to all individuals. The same training and handling techniques which resulted in the amazing and very pick-up-able rooster that is Chuck utterly and completely failed to have any impact on Jules. The trainability of an individual bird is determined by many, many factors not the least of which is the bird’s given personality. From day one, Jules hated to be handled. Sometimes chicks that don’t like to be handled in the brooder may warm up to you once they are in their own space and have gained the confidence that comes with adulthood. No. Not Jules. From the beginning, Jules hated being handled, to the extent we thought temporarily he may have some sort of medical issue. No. Not a thing wrong with Jules physically. He is a healthy, vibrant, active, energetic, fun, beautiful rooster, who hates to be touched with every fiber of his being. He has since he was a fluffy puffy headed chick. Even though I’ll never be able to pet him I happen to deeply love Jules. I watched him lovingly attend one of our hen’s that was recovering from any eye injury, what we deduced was a mating attempt gone wrong. As she recovered, it was Jules who was at her side daily, grooming her and keeping her company, very aware she did not feel quite herself. In addition to being a kind rooster, Jules has so much personality and is truly just a stunning bird to behold when he does his strut in a sunny backyard. He has never once attempted to flog or pinch me. Because he would have to touch me to do those things and it’s just not worth it. I always appreciate his consistency. Jules will always be beautiful. He will never want to be touched. And that is OK.