TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction 1
- Chapter One: The Rooster Species and Historical Significance 5
- Taxonomy 6
- Origin and Distribution 6
- Physical and Behavioral Characteristics of Roosters 7
- Physical Features of Roosters 7
- Behavioral/Territorial Characteristics of Roosters 8
- Other General Rooster Information 9
- Types of Roosters 9
- American Roosters 10
- European Roosters 11
- Asian Roosters 12
- Hybrid Roosters 12
- Historical and Religious Significance 13
- Animism and Shamanism 13
- Buddhism 15
- Hinduism 15
- Judaism 16
- Christianity 16
- Islam 17
- Chapter Two: Keeping Roosters as Pets 19
- Do You Need a Permit? 20
- Rooster Regulations You May Encounter 22
- Pros and Cons of Keeping a Rooster 25
- Rooster Introduction 27
- Rooster Introduction to a Flock of Hens 27
- Rooster Introduction to a Flock with Existing Roosters 28
- Costs of Keeping a Rooster 30
- Chapter Three: How to Purchase and Select a Healthy Rooster 35
- Where to Purchase Roosters 36
- Farm Stores 37
- Chick Hatchery 38
- Private/Backyard Breeders 39
- Adoption for Unwanted Roosters 40
- Guidelines before Purchasing a Rooster 41
- Signs of a Healthy Chick 45
- Chapter Four: Coops and Enclosures for Roosters 49
- Housing Options for Roosters and Chickens 50
- Wooden Housing 50
- Plastic Housing 52
- Chicken Arks 53
- Location and Size of the Enclosure 53
- Chicken Bedding 54
- Chapter Five: Nutrition and Feeding 57
- The Basics of Feeding a Chicken 58
- Feeding a Rooster 59
- Water for Your Roosters 59
- Feeding Scratch or Scraps to Your Roosters 60
- Eating Habits of Roosters 61
- Tips in Proper Feeding 62
- Chapter Six: Grooming and Entertaining Your Roosters 65
- Grooming Your Roosters 66
- Bathing Your Rooster 66
- Trimming Your Rooster’s Spurs 69
- Entertaining Your Roosters 71
- The Importance of Entertaining Your Roosters 71
- How to Entertain Roosters 72
- Chicken Toys 73
- Chapter Seven: Preparing Your Roosters for Show 77
- Tips in Preparing Your Roosters for Showing 78
- Guidelines before Presenting Your Rooster 83
- Chapter Eight: Breeding Your Roosters 87
- How to Set Up the Breeding Flock 88
- How Roosters Flirt with the Hens 89
- The Mating Process 90
- Egg Fertilization 91
- Egg Hatching 93
- Chick Rearing 94
- Caponizing or Neutering Roosters 95
- Guidelines in Caponizing a Rooster 95
- Chapter Nine: Keeping Your Roosters Healthy 99
- Common Avian Illnesses 100
- Chapter Ten: Care Sheet and Summary 105
- Photo Credits 115
- References 117
