Rogue rooster settles in Avenues

He's a handsome boy, but a damn nuisance. Video: Supplied/SunLive.

It was exactly 4.22 this morning – a full two and a half hours before the official sunrise - when ‘Ronaldo' burst into full throat and woke the neighbours …..AGAIN!

And they're crying 'enough” – they want Ronaldo gone.

Ronaldo is a wild rooster.

He was either dumped, strayed into the area or was drawn by the elegant lifestyle of the avenues – either way he likes it, has taken up residence and locals can't get rid of him, or his damnable early morning crowing.

Ronaldo moved in to the properties around the intersection of Grace Road and 14th Avenue during the holiday Waitangi weekend.

'So we are into our third week with Ronaldo,” says one neighbour.

She just wants to be known as Helen. She also wants rid of Ronaldo. Rid as in caught and relocated, outside earshot. She doesn't wish him harm.

'Early every morning, seven days a week, very loud and very clear. No days off.” Always the standard rooster riff … cock-a-doodle-doo.

Yes, Ronaldo was funny at first. 'But then it got to Tuesday after Waitangi Day weekend and Ronaldo was still at it.” Ronaldo's novelty was wearing thin.

Helen thought she had identified where the crowing was coming from. Was the neighbour babysitting a rowdy chook for the weekend?

Did the neighbour have a new pet? But no. Ronaldo is a very wild , very loud, free spirit.

And he has street smarts. Helen often leaves out some bread for the sparrows and black birds. Ronaldo has cottoned on and now comes over the fence for a slice of the action. Well, a slice of bread.

'One particular day I disturbed him and he jumped up on the fence. Then he turned, gave me the most evil look and went bwark, bwark, bwaaark! ..in the most irritated way. It was hilarious.”

But it's not hilarious before sun-up in this neighbourhood when Ronaldo is in full song.

'My daughter suggested we needed a name for him. She wanted Ronnie. But this bird is big and he's a very handsome lad. He demanded a name with punch, with strength.” So rooster got the gravitas he deserved and was dubbed Ronaldo.

No, the Tauranga City Council couldn't help because Ronaldo doesn't have a permanent residential address. He's a free agent. He is wild. He doesn't have an owner who could be held responsible.

'The Wildlife Trust told me to catch him and bring him and they would take care,” says Helen.

'Well, that's beyond me. Roosters can be mean , they can be vicious.” So Helen doesn't want to tangle with Ronaldo …especially after that evil stare.

So this is the theory. If we get Ronaldo's story out there in the public domain, if we give his public profile a boost, give him some name recognition and elevate his social status, then everyone will want him and go get him.

Then Ronaldo's infernal early morning song-fest would become someone else's problem. Email: newsroom@thesun.co.nz if you can help.

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3 comments

Rooster rescue?

Posted on 24-02-2023 07:17 | By Sunchine

I believe Helen was given my number yesterday. Awaiting her call so we can arrange to team up with the neighbourhood posse to capture this handsome rogue and find him a better place to express himself. For free.


Same problem...

Posted on 24-02-2023 14:28 | By morepork

... a couple of years ago in the area where I live. It didn't bother me (I'm a sound sleeper, and retired...) but it was very hard on my neighbours who needed to get their sleep before getting up for work. We eventually captured him with some netting and took him to the wholistic vet's. I understand he ended up on a farm in the Kaimais...


Mr.

Posted on 15-06-2023 16:22 | By ;

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