Meet the Chickens
Walter & Felina
Walter and Felina are a gentle older couple of gamefowl that were rescued from a cockfighting site containing roughly 300 birds illegally used for breeding and fighting. Walter is a rooster who was “dubbed” (had his comb sliced off), meaning that he was subjected to fighting other roosters for human entertainment. However, you would never guess that he has a traumatic past as a fighter. Walter is extremely sweet to both humans and Felina alike. Felina is curious, quiet, and the perfect hen companion to gentle Walter. Because Felina is prone to reproductive issues, she receives a hormonal implant that helps her stop laying eggs. Although there is a common myth that rescued gamefowl are mean and unable to be rehabilitated or live normal lives, these two are clear proof to the contrary. Together, Walter & Felina enjoy watching the sanctuary from the highest perch in their aviary, and even sometimes spend time on the roof of their coop! At Sweet Peace, they will never be forced to endure the horrific fighting, cruelty, and neglectful conditions of game breeding farms ever again.
Goose & Badger
Like our other gamefowl pair, Goose and Badger came from the same cockfighting site and game farm where they were forced to share inhumane conditions with nearly 300 other birds. Goose is a beautiful white game rooster endlessly devoted to his plucky wife Badger. Like our other rooster, Goose also received a horrific procedure called “dubbing”, meaning his comb was cut off of his head so he could better participate in cruel cockfighting games. Despite his history, Goose is mild-mannered, forgiving, and his focus is entirely on being the best husband possible to his companion, Badger. We decided to give them these names because of their colors and personalities. Goose is all-white and has a loud, hoarse crow like a goose honk! Badger, alongside being black and white like the animal, is also unpredictable, confident, and does whatever she wants (“Honey badger don’t give a ****!”). Goose spends a lot of time tidbitting and calling for his wife to come enjoy a tasty morsel with him, and when they get snacks, he picks out the best ones for her. Together, they will only know peace, safety, and responsible care for the rest of their lives.
Did you know?
Historically, when gamefowl are rescued from cockfighting cases, all of the birds are euthanized. This is because these birds have been bred for genetics that make roosters fight one another to the death, with similar antisocial behaviors in gamehens, all for a cruel sport that is illegal in the US. However, contrary to the rationale that “humane” organizations may use to try to justify mass euthanasias after rescue, these genetics do not make the birds unable to be rehabilitated or live normal lives like other chickens. When roosters are allowed to live separately from other roosters, and in the companionship of a hen or more, they can become incredible flock leaders that are remarkably gentle to humans and hens alike. Rather than immediately opting for euthanasia, we wish that more humane organizations and SPCAs took the time to find compassionate homes for gamefowl where their needs are addressed and they are allowed to live in conditions where they thrive peacefully.