Yes, that’s correct–a chicken sanctuary. Farm Street in Bastrop, Texas, is a safe haven for roosters and hens that have been roaming the area for over 150 years. The birds are self-sufficient and are legally protected by a city ordinance passed by Bastrop City Council in 2009. The fowl forage for their own food and run amuck at will on Farm Street, including the lawns of the folks who reside there. The speed limit is set around five miles per hour so drivers do not accidentally hit the free-roaming chickens. There are no fences keeping the large roosters and their hens within the sanctuary. If the chickens roam outside of the area, they are allowed to be captured (here chicky, chicky, chicky). Is it ironic that KFC is only two blocks away? A perk for the residents within the sanctuary is the legal ability to collect eggs for their personal use.
I found this street entirely by accident while looking for a geocache. I had to stop several times so the chickens could safely cross the road. The humongous fowl moved slowly and were quite cocky (get it?) and proud the street was totally theirs.
While I waited for the colorful roosters to reach their destination, I pondered the age-old unanswered question, “Why did the chicken cross the road?” I asked a nearby rooster, and all I got was a resounding cock-a-doodle-doo. It seems the answer is as safely guarded as a chicken’s life on Farm Street.
Until the next odd encounter,
Love, Dawn
That’s crazy – but quite charming. Kind of a countrified version of the peacocks that roamed a wealthy oceanside community near where I grew up. At least chickens might leave you eggs. From the complaints I heard about peacocks I’m not sure they left anything but droppings!
We had a wild peacock that roamed our neighborhood when my daughter was little. She used to sit on the front sidewalk and say, “Look pretty, Mr. Peacock,” and he would spread his feathers for her. Eggs would be a good byproduct for putting up with the wild chickens–they kind of know they rule the roost, so to say. Take care! Dawn
This. Is. Awesome!
Wow, thats so cool!🐔
If you ever go to Hell on Grand Cayman the chickens are protected there as well. I found this out when the proprietor of Hell mentioned to me to not touch the chicken because I could go to jail. Not like I was going to touch a stray chicken. It did peak my curiosity so I asked about it. Didn’t find out the origins of that law, but the moral of the story is don’t touch stray chickens.
I wouldn’t touch them, either–in Hell or not. 😉
This is just too cute. I’ve heard of protected donkeys in a couple places, but chickens, really. Good for a laugh. and eggs.
At least the residents do get to keep the eggs. Not sure the rest would be too desirable, but they are dealing with it. 🙂
Wow, those roosters are huge! I’ve never seen one up close and personal!
Janet
They were huge–didn’t know they could get so big. I just know nobody can name them “Supper” or “Lunch.” 🙂
BIG roosters. Great post!
They were HUGE! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by! Dawn
I can’t believe they built a KFC 2 blocks away. That’s just mean!!! 🙂
But–just a little funny. 🙂 Safe travels!