Phoenix the Great (Mixed Breed Long Haired Rooster)

Phoenix the Great is a 9 month old mixed breed long haired rooster. We put a request on freecycle.org for a baby chick, since the school's chickens had not incubated because the electric went out one day. The kids were disappointed, so we went out of our way to a place where they breed birds and take care of them.

This one, which we did not know if it was male or female, was no bigger than a minute in a brooder that was made out of a dog carrier with a light. The chicks were so happy in there; so happy in the living room of the lady who owned the farm.

He likes to play with stuffed animals, and he likes to laugh at jokes and watch TV. He lives in our room most of the time, and spends some of his time outside. He does not see the outdoors as a normal place, as he was imprinted on humans. His first sight was not a chicken, but the lady at the farm. Then he met me, who has cuddled him and such until now.

He answers coughs and giggles in context. He makes all sorts of gestures with his hands, which have more than the normal amount of toes on them. When he moves his feet, we praise him and say such a good boy. He now waves at me when I have food to get my attention, but only when it is me and him alone in the room.

Phoenix is pretty much kept as a parrot in the house. He has an area on our entertainment center that he was raised in, and refuses to part with. He is amazing. He is very territorial. I would never recommend a rooster for a pet for a child or anyone easily scared of animals which charge you, like most farm animals can do. Phoenix has, however, taken up with my parakeet, Periwinkle, who does not like people. They are meant for each other and enjoy each other very much!

By Robyn