Q: Why do roosters need their own sanctuary?
A: Roosters are often seen as a “problem” because they don’t lay eggs and are frequently viewed as noisy or aggressive. In the egg industry, they’re culled at birth; in backyard flocks, they’re often abandoned or euthanized when they start crowing. We created The Rooster Project to challenge that mindset — to show that roosters deserve safe, meaningful lives.
Q: Can roosters really live together peacefully?
A: Yes — with the right setup! While roosters are often portrayed as inherently aggressive, much of that behavior comes from competition over hens or overcrowded conditions. In a rooster-only flock, with enough space, resources, and supervision, many roosters can coexist peacefully. Our flock is a living example of that.
Q: Where do the roosters come from?
A: Most of our roosters come from local farms, hatcheries, and individuals who no longer wanted or could no longer keep them. Many were facing euthanasia or abandonment when we stepped in. We also occasionally take in rescues from animal shelters.
Q: How do you care for a rooster flock?
A: It takes planning, patience, and flexibility! We provide plenty of space, separate feeding stations, multiple perches, and areas for retreat to prevent squabbles. We also monitor flock dynamics closely and separate any birds who need time apart. Daily care includes feeding, cleaning, enrichment, and health checks.
Q: I want to start my own rooster rescue or microsanctuary — where should I begin?
A: That’s amazing! Start small:
Q: Why not just rehome the roosters to farms?
A: It’s incredibly hard to find ethical, permanent placements for roosters. Many farms and homes can’t or won’t keep them, and even well-meaning rehomes can end in abandonment or slaughter. A dedicated sanctuary ensures they have a safe, permanent home.
Q: Aren’t roosters too loud to keep?
A: Roosters definitely have a reputation for being loud — but it’s often misunderstood. While roosters do crow, once they establish their pecking order, usually only the dominant or top-ranking roosters will crow regularly. The others often stay quiet or crow much less. In a well-managed bachelor flock, the noise is often far less constant than people expect. With enough space, enrichment, and proper management, they settle into a rhythm that’s natural and surprisingly harmonious. We also believe that instead of silencing them, we should rethink why we’re so uncomfortable with their voices in the first place — their crowing is part of who they are.
Q: How can I support The Rooster Project?
A: You can help by donating, volunteering, sponsoring a rooster, or simply spreading the word. The more people know about the plight of roosters, the more lives we can save together.