Exiled Dictators.

 

Roosters have always struck me as having all the qualities of tyrannical, third-world despots. Constantly on patrol, they parade around the yard, their feathers garish and showy like a uniform overwrought with medals and ribbons. They are aggressive, petulant, and demanding. They lecture endlessly and loudly. They relish the blind side sneak attack. 

On Sunday morning, Maret and I staged a coup d'etat and wrested power away from our roosters. In a pre- dawn raid we easily captured Rusty, above. Dude, pictured below, proved much harder to catch. He managed to escape initially, but our tactics were superior. Their regime was toppled. The revolution will not be televised.

As is common with both roosters and petty dictators, they had been fighting each other for dominance for some time. By the time they were hauled off, Dude's comb was scabbed and his hackle pink with dried blood from Rusty's incessant maulings. They have gone to live in exile with Dora's son who will show them in the fair. Maybe now someone will lavish them with the attention and respect they so richly deserve.

Our hens now seem calmer and more relaxed. I'm sure they are enjoying the peace and quiet as much as we are.