A Rooster Emerges

Last week one of our chickens started crowing.  I did all sorts of research to figure out what was going on with this hen.  It is well known that hens cluck and roosters crow, but we had purchased four hens not three hens and a rooster.  Not to mention that all the books said that if you have a rooster you would know by 12 weeks, our chickens were 21 weeks old.  Also the crowing did not begin at sunrise but whenever the chicken wanted out of their coop to free range.
     Over the next six days, the crowing grew louder and more regular.  I also did more research and found that the crowing chicken actually had all the other characteristics of a rooster.  We live in an area where it is legal to have roosters. However, the coop is right under my bedroom window and we love our neighbors.  There was no denying that our little Popcorn was a rooster and would need a new home.

Popcorn at 2 days old

Popcorn at 3 weeks old

Popcorn and Omelet at 14 weeks old

Popcorn and Ninja at 22 weeks old

We contacted our friend Tyler who owns Heart 2 Heart Farms and asked if he could take Popcorn.  He told us to bring him out anytime but warned, "if they are mean, we eat them."  Luckily for Popcorn, he has been played with and handled by my kids since he hatched and there isn't a mean bone in him.  My husband took him out to the farm and as soon as Tyler took him from the box he traveled in, Popcorn snuggled up in his arms.  My husband said Tyler and all the farm hands were shocked at the sight of a cuddly rooster.  

      I know Popcorn will enjoy his new home.  I know my neighbors will enjoy being able to sleep past 6:30 each morning.  I also know it was surprisingly hard to give this beautiful rooster away.  Here is to teaching my kids that it is important to do what is right even when it isn't any fun.