At Wise County Chicken Farm, we believe every animal has value—including the often-overlooked rooster. That’s why we created the Second Chance Rooster Program, a private rehoming program operated by Wise County Chicken Farm.

Acceptance into the program is based on available space, flock compatibility, biosecurity considerations, and our ability to responsibly care for each bird.

Whether you’re looking to rehome a rooster or adopt one for your flock, this program is about giving good birds a real opportunity at a better life.

🌟 Why We Started the Program

Roosters are a natural part of raising chickens, but they’re often culled, abandoned, or discarded when they’re no longer needed or when flock dynamics change.

We saw too many well-raised birds facing poor outcomes simply because they were born male—and we decided to do something about it.

💛 Our goal is simple: provide responsible temporary care while working to place each rooster in an appropriate home- giving them a real second chance. 

Because every rooster and every flock is different, placement decisions are made on a case-by-case basis with the welfare of both the birds and the receiving flock in mind.

🧪 What Happens When a Rooster Enters Our Program

Every rooster admitted into our program goes through an intake and evaluation process to support both his health and the safety of the flock.

Each rooster is:

  • Visually checked for signs of illness or injury
  • Provided basic husbandry care as appropriate, which may include treatment for external parasites or deworming when warranted.
  • Evaluated for behavior and temperament
  • Monitored for stress or underlying health concerns

After completing intake and evaluation, roosters that are suitable for group housing may be integrated into compatible housing while awaiting placement. Housing decisions are based on temperament, compatibility, available space, and biosecurity considerations.

Not every rooster admitted to the program will be immediately available for adoption. Placement timeliness vary based on age, health, temperament, and finding an appropriate match. 

🐓 Rehoming a Rooster

If you have a rooster you can no longer keep—due to ordinances, flock dynamics, or simply too many birds—we may be able to help.

What we require:

  • A clear description of breed, age, and temperament
  • Honest disclosure of any aggression toward humans or animals
  • Photos (when possible; may also be used for placement)
  • Confirmation the bird shows no visible signs of illness or injury
  • Acknowledgement that submission of an intake request does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

We consider both calm and aggressive roosters for admission. Accurate and honest information is essential so we can determine whether we can safely accept the bjrd and responsibly match him with an appropriate home.

👉 At this time, we are only able to consider standard size roosters. Bantam or bantam cross roosters are not currently accepted. 

Admission into the program is at the sole discretion of Wise County Chicken Farm and is based on available housing, biosecurity, temperament, and our ability to responsibly care for each rooster.

🐣 Roosters Under 6 Months Old

Younger roosters require separate housing for safety and proper development before they can be integrated with mature birds. Roosters must be at least 3 months od age to be considered for admission. Younger roosters require separate housing for safety and proper development before they can be evaluated for integration with mature birds. They must be at least 3 months old for us to be able to accept them.

If you’re able to keep your rooster until he reaches 6 months of age, the intake fee is waived, provided we have available space and are able to admit him at that time. 

Roosters between 3 and 6 months old may be considered for admission. A $15 fee per bird applies to helps offset the additional housing and care required during this stage.

Most younger roosters remain in our care until they’re mature enough to be considered for placement. Admission of younger roosters may be more limited due to the additional housing and management they require. 

🐥 Looking Ahead: Bantam Roosters

While we currently only accept standard-size roosters, we recognize that Bantam breeds also deserve second chances.

As our program grows, we hope to add dedicated housing that would allow us to safely accommodate Bantam roosters in the future.

Any future expansion will depend on available space, resources, and our ability to maintain appropriate biosecurity and housing standards.

Updates will be shared if and when that becomes available.

🏡 ISO a Rooster?

Looking for a flock protector or breeding companion? We often have a variety of roosters available—young and mature, heritage and hybrid—each with their own personality.

When you bring home a rooster from our program, you can expect:

  • A rooster that has completed our intake and evaluation process. 
  • Honest information about his known temperament, background, and any observations made while in our care. 
  • Guidance on introducing him to your existing flock.

Our goal is to help match each rooster with the right flock—not simply find him a new home.m

🛑 If It Doesn’t Work Out

We understand that not every rooster will fit every situation.

If a rooster obtained through our program isn't working out, please contact us before rehoming him elsewhere.

Whenever possible, we'll work with you to determine the best next step. Depending on available space and circumstances, that may include returning the rooster to our program or helping identify another appropriate placement.

Our goal is to support responsible rehoming and positive outcomes for both the birds and the families who care for them.

🌱 Why It Matters

Roosters play an important role in flock dynamics, protection, and natural behavior—but they also deserve proper care and respect.

By participating in this program, you’re helping provide an alternative to unnecessary culling while supporting responsible poultry ownership. 

🌱 Whether you're entrusting us with a rooster or providing one with a new home, you're helping make responsible rehoming possible.

🤝 How to Get Involved

To Rehome a Rooster:
Contact us here or message us on Facebook with details and photos. Submitting an intake request does not guarantee admission into the program. 

Looking for a Rooster:
Follow us on Facebook or Instagram, or check our website for available birds.

💕 Helping the Roosters

The Second Chance Rooster Program is a private rehoming program operated by Wise County Chicken Farm. Caring for roosters in the program requires feed, housing, fencing, and ongoing supplies.

While the program is funded primarily through our own time, resources, and commitment to responsible poultry care, community members who wish to help offset these costs are always welcome to do so. Support is completely voluntary and always appreciated.

Ways You Can Help:

  • Feed (20% protein layer pellets)
  • Flock blocks, scratch, or treats
  • Coop materials, fencing, or building supplies, Bedding (Pellet Bedding Preferred)
  • Poultry health supplies (grit, electrolytes, parasite treatments, etc.)
  • Voluntary financial contributions to help offset feed and care costs
  • Purchase items directly from our Amazon Wish List
  • Housing Pens to accomodate more Roosters and/or expand our program to include Bantam Breeds

Any support received is used to help offset the costs of housing and caring for roosters while they participate in our rehoming program.

To Rehome a Rooster:
Submit an Intake Form (link at the bottom of the page). We prefer images of your rooster be emailed to us after--> please email them here: info@wisecountychickenfarm.com. Submitting an intake request does not guarantee admission into the program and depending on space, you may be placed on a waitlist. 

We will contact you by email (in order of intake forms recieved) when we have an available slot. It will include additional details on the next steps.  

Looking for a Rooster:
Follow us on Facebook or Instagram, or check our website for available birds

🐓 Final Thoughts

Not every rooster fits every home—but every rooster deserves a chance.

Whether you're looking to responsibly rehome a rooster or add one to your flock, the Second Chance Rooster Program may be able to help.

Thank you for supporting responsible poultry ownership and helping give these birds another opportunity.

— The Wise County Chicken Farm Family

 

Have a rooster you can’t keep?

We may be able to help. Submit an intake form and we’ll review your request to determine the best next step for your rooster.

Submit Intake Form →