Wild Fact #741 – The Birthday Animal – Rooster
Photo by Muhammad Mahdi Karim
Today’s Wild Fact post is inspired by Chinese Astrology and my birthday. Yes, today is my birthday and since I was born in 1981 that makes me a Rooster according to Chinese Astrology. To be honest, I don’t know much (read: anything) about Chinese Astrology but I was looking for an animal to write about today and the Rooster seemed as good as any. So put on your party hat, grab a piece of birthday cake and enjoy today’s Fact on the Rooster.
Most of us are aware that the Rooster is simply a male chicken. Ironically I had chicken for dinner tonight. It isn’t too often that I have feasted on the animal that I am writing about (and thank goodness that wasn’t the case during Parasite Week). I am sure we all have visions of a proud Rooster sitting on a barn or a fence post and crowing as the sun comes up. Realistically, some Roosters will crow at all hours of the day while others hardly crow at all. It is largely dependent upon their breed and individual personality. Sort of how some humans talk a lot while others are the strong, silent type. The image of the Rooster sitting on a fence post is accurate though as many will do this in an attempt to defend their territory. Do any farmers out there have any Rooster stories they would like to share? Has anyone taught them only to crow at dawn?
The Rooster is a polygamous animal meaning they will mate with many females. Since it is impossible for the Rooster to guard each individual nest they will often just defend the general territory that his hens are nesting in. If a predator attempts to enter this area than make no mistake, the Rooster will attack and try to protect his ladies.
A Sussex Rooster - Photo by Andrzej Barabasz
This next paragraph pains me to talk about but let’s discuss the Capons. This is simply a Rooster that has been castrated. I find it interesting that the comb and wattle of the Capons cease to grow which gives the head of this poor male chicken a dwarfed look. On the other hand their hackle, saddle and tail feathers will begin to grow unusually long. Of course the Capons are much more docile than the regular Roosters. I assume all of these traits are a result of a decrease in hormones.
Rooster Fast Fact - Since this is a birthday blog and all, I figured I would give some insight into the Rooster’s character. Apparently the Rooster makes excellent detectives, doctors, nurses and psychiatrists as a result of their cautious, perceptive and skeptical mind. Oh and for the Roosters out there looking for love, you will want to find a Snake, an Ox or a Pig. I should have used Chinese Astrology for animal ideas a long time ago.
Have a great weekend everyone! Enjoy your cake and the rest of the party.
