Rodney glanced over at Bert and sighed. Look at all those hens, just crowding around him. It wasn’t that Rodney was jealous, it’s just that it confirmed what Rodney knew was true all along – that Bert was a straight cock, no doubt about it. Then, why oh why did Bert come into his coop late at night and snuggle with him when it got cold? He just didn’t understand. Oh Bert, Rodney though, why are you such a tease? Do you think because my feathers aren’t as beautiful or neat as yours that I don’t have feelings too?

Henry recognized James across the barnyard, those feathers were unmistakable – they came from the same town back home. Same bad luck. Same bad chicks turned on ‘em. Now they were at the same henhouse way out in the middle of nowhere, doing time. Although Henry was solitary, happy to walk off into the yard by himself, James made an effort to approach and befriend him. Although he never said much, Henry didn’t mind James’ presence. Henry wouldn’t ever tell him to his face, but he actually thought James was a beautiful studly bird and was pleased for his attention. His larger size was such a comfort and he always protected Henry from the other bullies in the henhouse, giving them a peck on the comb if they came too close. As they carried out their sentences, Henry and James become quite close and by the time they were released, the two cocks were inseparable.