Hi, I’m Hamilton

Chicago Animal Care and Control found the roosters in small cages, lying in their own feces and urine, with no food or fresh water. Most of them were missing their feathers from fighting, stress and poor nutrition. Their combs and wattles had been cut off so their opponents could not tear them off during battle. Some had metal rings on their claws to attach a device, such as a knife or dagger, to defeat their opponent.

The team at Barn Sanctuary knew that providing a home to a cockfighting rooster would be a challenge but after much consideration, we made a decision to take one. When we arrived, we noticed that two of the fighting roosters were in particularly rough shape, so we decided to bring home the two who needed the most care— Hamilton and Strauss.

Hamilton’s traumatic past made it very hard for him to trust people, and he was bred for aggression, which made it difficult to house him with our other bird residents. His patient caregivers spent a lot of time rehabilitating him and now he has a wonderful relationship with three friends, “his ladies.” He still doesn’t like humans but his amazing story and ability to overcome hardship has won over the hearts of both staff and volunteers.

Your sponsorship will help provide daily care, regular medical checkups, and cover any unexpected emergency care. Please sponsor Hamilton to provide the care he deserves!