Mount Vernon Square rooster gone, but not forgotten

(Courtesy of Michele Griffin)

It’s unclear where the little fella came from, or where he’s at now. But this past weekend a rooster made the Mount Vernon Square Apartments his home, clucking his way into the hearts of at least one family.

Michele Griffin says woke up to the rooster’s crowing Saturday morning and then again on Sunday. Griffin spotted the rooster later on Sunday in the courtyard outside of her apartment, and watched as the feathered stranger made his way over to her patio.

Griffin and her family became concerned about the rooster’s safety and contacted animal control. Police came by to check on the bird, but determined that since it wasn’t sick or harming anyone, there was little that could be done.

The Griffins decided the bird looked hungry, so they put out some food for him.

“It was annoying at first, but we grew fond of it,” Griffin said.

It’s possible that the rooster was a pet or a potential meal  belonging to someone in the surrounding area. It is legal to own chickens in Fairfax County, but a special permit is needed for keeping them on any property smaller than two acres. However because of their crowing, roosters tend to be much less popular choice than hens as a backyard pet.

A worker at Mount Vernon Square Apartments confirmed Thursday that the rooster had riled up a number of residents earlier the week, but had not been heard from in a couple days. She also confirmed that residents definitely aren’t allowed to own roosters.

The Griffins put out a humane trap on Monday in hopes of capturing the bird and taking it to the animal welfare league before it got harmed, but he never showed back up. Michele Griffin said she hopes the bird managed to avoid the natural enemies living nearby.

“We are hopeful that maybe it found its way home. Chickens are really smart!” Griffin said. “But there are foxes that linger in the woods back here so we are afraid that it’s a possibility they got to it.”