From Pattrice Jones, Eastern Shore Sanctuary & Education Center
We too have noticed that macho males do not always win in the mating game (2 August, p 16). The most popular roosters at our sanctuary are never the biggest or most aggressive but tend instead to be the most gentle and self-sacrificing.
One rooster, who we called Romeo long before his popularity with hens became evident, always had between 7 and 11 hens around him even though he was shy, retiring and not particularly fit. Like most “broiler” chickens bred to have excessively large breast and thigh muscles regardless of the impact on their welfare, Romeo had a host of heath problems that led to an early death. Yet, while he was alive, he was preferred over stronger, healthier and more assertive birds. Why? He deferred to the hens, sang to them at night, and never forced himself on them. Apparently, he was good company.
Princess Anne, Maryland, US
