A call has gone out to find new rural homes for a group of rescued roosters.
The SPCA in Auckland is over-stocked with roosters, and is offering free rooster adoptions in September in an effort to find them new owners.
- SPCA staff abseil down cliff to save dog trapped for three days
- Meet the woman on a mission to save abandoned chickens
SPCA Rural Animal Technician Fiona McDonald said there were 14 to choose from.
"There are three white Chinese Silky Bantams called, 'The Bantam Buddies', two black Bantam Arcana roosters named Jet and Rex, and Wyandotte/Sussex cross named Fred who loves to make friends with other animal species," she said.
"There's even a big personality named Russell Crow, who struts around letting everyone who's boss," said McDonald.
She said as well as making wonderful pets, because of their personality, there were other advantages of having them around.
"They also clear up leftovers and help keep your grass short, and if you form a trusting relationship with a rooster, it will follow you and alert you to intruders, much like a dog."
Due to noise restrictions, roosters cannot be kept in urban areas, however McDonald said they made ideal additions to rural properties, especially ones with established hen flocks.
"Roosters protect hens from predators and you'll find your hens will actually lay more eggs with a bloke around. Chickens are highly social animals with a strong 'pecking order' so they're generally happier with a rooster at the head of the flock to keep everyone in line."
"A rooster will actually hunt out good eating areas for his flock and call the hens to it. And so long as you collect your eggs daily, they won't produce more poultry.
Newshub.
