Gypsy chickens

One of the first things you notice when you visit Key West, is the wandering chickens. Inside stores and restaurants, around parks and homes. They're everywhere. And controversy brews around the subject. Some people love them and consider them part of Key West's charm. Others find them to be a nuisance. No one owns them. They wander at will.

Orphaned chicks

A hawk killed one of these wandering vagabonds at Sigsbee RV Park, Key West Naval Air Station, leaving eight chicks partially orphaned—their father Sunny (photo at right) continues to make the park his home. Good Samaritans Chris, Melda and Alexa came to the rescue and adopted the chicks. Reid and Karen, V's parents, were "snowbirding" at the park and got to know this cool family. That's how we first learned of the orphans.

Anti-chicken?
Every good story has a villain. As mentioned earlier, not everyone likes chickens. After a neighbor complained, the chicks had to go. Chris, Melda and Alexa took them to the Key West Wildlife Rescue and Rehab Center.

The plot thickens
Reid and Karen, convinced we should have Key West chickens at Argosy Farm, began plotting. We rushed to complete the chicken house. The folks at the Wildlife Rescue put a "hold these chicks" sign on their cage. After building a travel coop (photo above), Reid and Karen picked up the chicks on February 23rd, and begin making their way back from Florida to North Carolina. They arrived at our farm on March 1.

Home sweet home
Mike made sure the "teenage" cockerels and pullets, had everything they needed—warm straw, water, feed and a place to roost. They love lettuce and gobble it up quickly. The first night, we quietly approached the chicken house to check on them. After shining a light through the window, we were surprised to find the roosts empty. We had a moment of panic as light from the flashlight revealed no chickens on the floor either. Jerking the light upward, we began searching the ceiling. In the corner, on the upturned travel coop, perched all eight chicks.

Certified by Key West's mayor
Adoption of the Key West chicks included a signed certificate from the town's mayor, stating "This certifies that this Key West free range rooster is a descendant of the Spanish fighting Game cocks. Arriving in Cuba in the 15th Century, the Spanish Fighting Game Cocks migrated to Key West with early Cuban immigrants, where their descendants continue to reside today." How cool is that?