Celebrating the Rooster

Happy Year of the Rooster!
The Chinese zodiac is based on a twelve year cycle, each year in that cycle related to an animal sign. 2017 is the Year of the Rooster starting from January 28, 2017 and will last until Feb 15, 2018.

Occupying the 10th position, the rooster – the only bird included in the Chinese Zodiac – is known to be observant, hardworking, resourceful, and punctual.  That’s why, we’re celebrating the Year of the Rooster (and chicks, and pullets, and hens)!

Proud Protector Roosters are proud because they have to be. Their role in their flock is the protector and the strength and security of the flock. They chase away predators and alert their flock of any potential threats. He does not let his guard down, because he lives to keep his family safe. They will protect and defend even if it means they might be killed doing so.  (featuring rescued residents at Rooster Sanctuary at Danzig's Roost)

Punctual

Well known as the epitome of fidelity and punctuality, roosters have played a significant role in ancient times when there was no clock. The rooster’s crowing served as an alarm which could awaken people to get up and start to work. Studies have even shown roosters know when it's daybreak even in a darkened room.

Giving Not only do roosters find and announce to the hens when they’ve found perfect nests for the hens to lay their eggs, they are always locating food for the hens. Many roosters bring treats to the hens and even hold treats in their beaks for the hens to have. When bringing treats to all-rooster flocks, the roosters spend several minutes offering the treats to each other by clucking excitedly before they finally give in and enjoy.

Most Abused

While chickens have many predators, humans are by far the most threatening.
 
In the United States, approximately 9 billion chickens are killed for their flesh each year, and 305 million hens are used for their eggs. The vast majority of these animals spend their lives in total confinement—from the moment they hatch until the day they are killed.
 
More chickens are raised and killed for food than all other land animals combined, yet not a single federal law protects them from abuse.

Perhaps the Year of the Rooster will inspire people to be more like the rooster rather than someone who destroys them.