Cocks, Roosters and Hens of Key West

Key West has a symbiotic relationship with these free-range fowl. According to histories, these gypsy chickens first appeared in the late 1800’s when Cubans immigrated to the island to work in cigar factories. The chickens were first raised for food, eggs, and cockfighting.  Many were set free from their pens when market-bought commodities became cheap and easy. Today they roam the business districts and residential neighborhoods of Key West. They are also quite the artistic inspiration and souvenir keepsakes of the island. There isn’t a gay man on the island of Key West that doesn’t host or honor one of these cocks in his home.