Sunday, January 18, 2026
Windy, 66°
“Storms out on the Gulf Stream, Big storm’s coming soon” – Jimmy Buffett
Tonight was time to hunker down inside the RV as a nasty cold front is blowing through. The wind picked up suddenly this afternoon blowing all kinds of things not lashed down around the campground. I lost one of my flip flops so if it’s not found tomorrow, I guess it is time for a new pair. I found a large outdoor rug and floor mat that has also blown away to several camp sites. It’s still howling outside for several hours after dark, so it is time for me to sit and write about the Roosters and chickens of Key West.
One of the things that give Key West its charm is the free spirit of everyone living here. Acceptance of everyone seems to be the main theme as all walks of life can be who they are without any conflicts or negative tones from anyone. It’s refreshing to see. That cannot be said of the rooster/chicken population.
There are the many, too many chickens and roosters roaming everywhere in Key West. You will love ‘em or hate ‘em, the island’s colorful chickens are an iconic part of Key West. Whether you’re on the beach or roaming around Old Town, it won’t be long before you encounter the roosters. Some Conchs (locals) love the chickens. They believe they make Key West the unique destination that it is and part of the Old Key West that everyone talks about. Other Conchs hate them, saying they’re unsanitary and a nuisance. After all, the roosters crow at all hours, and not just at the crack of dawn. In fact, the island is so divided over the existence of the animals that a “chicken war” broke out over 15 years ago. And it’s still going on today.
The chickens are such a source of contention on the island because of their long history in Key West, most of the chickens arriving in the 1800's. The story goes that Cuban settlers brought the chickens to the island, not only as a source of food, but also for sport. While hens were prized for their eggs, the roosters were prized for their cockfighting, making for good back-alley entertainment.
All was fine and dandy until cockfighting was outlawed in Key West in the 1970's, leaving many roosters without purpose and set to aimlessly roam the streets. Without much to do, the chickens kept breeding – so much so that the chicken population was considered out of hand by the mid-2000's. In fact, there were so many that the chickens were spread to the other nearby Keys. Not surprisingly, it was around this time that the Chicken War broke out.
So, while locals argue whether the chickens should stay in Key West, the animals roam free, living the good life, eating from local restaurants, soaking up the sun, and meeting tourists. The gypsy chickens are all over Key West, yet they do tend to congregate in certain places more than others – especially in the restaurant Blue Heaven. Along with the cats, the chickens here rule the roost. Blue Heaven is a great place to eat and known specifically for their key lime pie. Just know that if you come here, you’ll probably have to share with the island’s two-legged friends.
Wandering around today they seemed to pop out from behind the bushes, standing on fences and walls, or even a few were hunkered down nesting their young just off the sidewalk. They happily walked down Duvall Street along the shops, restaurants, and bars. There were a couple milling around by the Southernmost Point in the USA buoy as tourists took photos of the buoy. Around the corner at the beach, they were walking around the sand while “tourists covered with oil” lay on the beach getting tanned. Several were around Mallory Square during the sunset celebration. One banty rooster was standing on a wall, so I walked closer to get a photo of his leg spurs. He proudly strutted over closer and slightly turned to allow a photo like he knew that I was taking a picture of his spurs. It was weird but not the strangest thing seen in this tropical paradise.
If you come to Key West, you will not miss the roosters and chickens all over town as they are not bothered by the people and some seem to enjoy the attention from the tourists.