I researched for our state and called the chicken/avian vet. It is illegal in IL because the state classifies them as "food" animals even though some are pets. Unfortunately this is not even an option for us😔
Thank you for sharing your experience. We are still on the fence about a rooster but knowing we have options is encouraging. We do not have a *need* for a rooster as we have no interest in breeding. It's more for kinda selfish reasons as they are beautiful to have around and possibly an earlier...
Do you have an update? We are considering keeping a rooster we hatched but do not want to upset the neighbors. Roosters are allowed though. We would consider it if the rooster still has a protective instinct (to alert the hens of hawks, not physically protect them) and also grows the beautiful...