In Portugal, the rooster is a symbol of faith, good luck, and justice based on the legend of the "Old Cock of Barcelos". The legend tells a story about a pilgrim traveling through Spain who is accused of stealing silver from a landowner and is sentenced to death by hanging.

To plead his innocence, he begs the judge to reverse his sentence. The judge was about to tuck into a roasted cockerel when the pilgrim vowed that as proof of his innocence the cockerel will stand up on his plate and crow.

The judge pushed aside his meal and laughed. As the pilgrim was about to be hung, the cockerel miraculously stood up and crowed. Leaving the judge in disbelief, he then hurried to the gallows to free the innocent man.

Many years later, the pilgrim returned to Barcelos to carve a statue of the cockerel, where the legend and symbolism lives on til this day.

The Portuguese good-luck rooster reminds us here on the ranch just how blessed we are to be able to carry on our family tradition of sharing the good things we produce with our friends and wonderful supporters. We don't have any roosters that lay eggs yet but we're working on it. In the meantime enjoy these from our pasture-raised hens. 

​

If you would like to visit the hens and see the rest of the Ranch click the link below and schedule a tour, we would love to see you soon.

​

​