Hi, I’m Strauss

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 providing a home to a cockfighting rooster would be a challenge but after much consideration, we decided to take one. When we arrived, noticing that two of the fighting roosters were in particularly rough shape, we decided to bring home the two who needed the most care— Hamilton and Strauss.

Strauss has had a dramatic past, which 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 caregivers spent a lot of time rehabilitating him and now he lives peacefully with his own flock. While he still doesn’t like humans, his amazing story and ability to overcome hardship has won over the hearts of staff and volunteers.

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