I discovered this rooster was left by neighbors moving on when I realized that I could still hear his crow after they had left. So over to feed and try to catch the guy and take him to safer ground when I saw those spurs on his legs. They appear to project about 45° from the back of his leg toward the insides of the legs, and are about 3" long! So although I had him within grabbing distance (because food is the universal attractor) I decided not to grab him. I have seen pictures of fighting cocks and believe that they jump into the air and slash with these weapons.Perhaps that's why the coyotes, owls, coons, hawks, and other predators have left him be . . . as I will.
Many suggestions on how to trap him have rolled in but I think I will feed him, admire him, awaken by him , and let others catch him! Good luck brave souls.
Nice thought ..Its been awhile ..hope all is well on your side
ReplyDeleteHow nice to be found by you! Thank you for visiting me!
ReplyDeleteI could not let the Rooseter just be, no love to replace his anger, but if you call the shelter they might destroy it instead of saving it.
I have spent years working with animals, including a few chickens and roosters. Animals like people have their own personalities. The spurs are not his fault. If he does not chase you when you come around that's a good sign.
Should you change your mind about getting the spurs of:
Throw a blanket or big towel over him. Grab him fast and hold it very tight in the crook of your arm and with your other hand to minimize movement.
Have someone with gloves find the feet (head and body remain covered). They should hold the feet with one hand and a pair of pliers for the spurs with the other. You should be able to pull them off with the pliers but I would keep a screwdriver and wire cuttters within reach if needed. The more confident you (the holder are) the more comfortable the bird will be. Even with the spurs off, continue to hold him in your arms with the cover awhile (about 20 mins). This way, when you release him, you will be associated with "dark cover and warmth" and not with the spurs.
Just a thought.
It's a darn good thing you didn't try to grab him with no cover!!!
-P
What a beautiful rooster. It has been years since I woke to a rooster crowing. Proxima's suggestion is quite correct...hope you decide to take those horrid spurs off and become great friends with him.
ReplyDeleteHe's a beautiful animal. Can you get those spurs off, and will they grow back if you do?
ReplyDeleteWhat would happen to him if you were to just leave him to live out his life in the wild, as long as you cared for him?
at least if you feed it ... you know you will have a natural alarm clock.
ReplyDeletehugs for you
Sounds like a wise decision! My $ would be on the Rooster!
ReplyDeletewhat a magnificent animal!
ReplyDeleteproxima's advice sounds good to me...
Wise and kind. He's quite a beauty, isn't he?
ReplyDeleteHow sad that they just left him.
ReplyDelete:(
And how good of you to care for him even though he is not completely easy to care for, i.e. going out of your way to feed him. You're a good person.
And the side of Good scores another point!
I found you at Nancy's blog but see Josie here, too. The blogosphere "network" is amazing to me.
ReplyDeleteMy father-in-law from Kansas and my sister-in-law from St. Joe, MO are here. Dad says this looks like a "Fighting Cock" and you're wise to avoid those spurs. =)
I'd welcome your male perspective on this week's series of post called "Why Bloggers Blog."
Goatman, thanks for visiting my blog today. I hope you return.
ReplyDeleteYour story makes me think of Key West, Florida and how chickens are allowed free range there. This has been true of this island for many years. You can be sitting at a table in an outdoor restaurant and a few chickens will be foraging close by. You have to shoo them away sometimes.
At first, with my bad eyesight, I thought you wrote the spurs were 3 feet long, lol! I read it again, thankfully they were 3 inches, which is still a mighty spur!
ReplyDeleteHe's a beautiful bird. I feel for him all alone without his flock, but understand your reticence about catching him. Those spurs can be so dangerous.
And there is a wonder to hearing this brave rooster, living in the wild, crowing in the mornings...I envy you!
The poor little creature; I hope you can get the spurs off him. Otherwise others will use him in the same cruel way.
ReplyDeleteRooster is still over there. I can hear him in the afternoons calling. Turns out three neighbors were feeding him (including me) but he is still with his spurs as we all seem to agree that he may need them for protection, his being all alone during the long dark nights.
ReplyDeleteMy five ducks are well. Sprig is setting on 17 eggs and is a happy camper, although a bit testy and squalky these days.
Did you ever get the spurs off this rooster?
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing bird, He does look so proud of himself.
ReplyDeletebest wishes
Annie
Dont take off the spurs godman, if you do that you are removing his self defense.
ReplyDeleteTry having a few chickens in your farm, and see the result.
I am sure that he will come to you, tame.