Your rooster probably doesn’t hate your mum’s shoes in the way a person might. He may simply react to something about them—or to what happens when she wears them.
What might be going on?
- Movement or shape: The shoes may look different when they move, especially if they have a noticeable outline, laces, or a shiny bit.
- Familiarity: Your rooster may be more used to seeing your shoes, or he may react to your mum’s movements or routine rather than to the shoes themselves.
- A learned habit: If he pecked at the shoes once and got a big reaction, he may have learned to try it again.
- Color: It’s possible that the gray-and-white pattern catches his attention, but we can’t tell from color alone—and chickens don’t see colors exactly as people do.
Your cat liking the shoes is a separate mystery: cats often investigate shoes because of their smells, but that doesn’t tell us what the rooster thinks.
What to do
- Notice whether he reacts only to the shoes, or also to your mum walking, standing near him, or entering a particular area.
- Have her stay calm, avoid teasing or chasing him, and use a barrier or give him space if he pecks or charges.
- Keep children and faces away from an aggressive rooster, and wear sturdy shoes around him.
So the most likely answer is: the shoes—or something associated with them—catch his attention. It’s not proof that he dislikes your mum!