Darth Vader

Meet Darth Vader, Sam's new rooster. Sam "discovered" him while doing chores out at the "Big Farm" while Grandpa was away at the state basketball tournament. Darth Vader appears to be a Jersey Giant, and although Sam is terrified of roosters, he was clearly impressed by his size.

I had thought it a bit early for Sam to be identifying and collecting phallic symbols, but perhaps not. After all, Kody has firearms, Ansen has a Mustang, Jesse has the biggest, coolest headphones ever, so why not a rooster for Sam? Besides, Sam cannot yet afford a lifted, diesel 4x4 complete with brush guard, winch, and rubber scrotum hanging from the hitch. (Is it just me, or does anyone else secretly desire to emasculate one of those trucks?)  I digress...

Darth was hatched and raised in a closed coop, so he is currently in quarantine getting acquainted with three of the four basic elements--earth, water, and air.  (No fire yet, but if he turns out to be aggressive, he may become acquainted with the stew pot!)

I imagine that going from a closed coop to the open air must be like dropping acid for a chicken (not that I would know!), but if Darth manages to survive the transition without experiencing a complete psychotic breakdown, I think he will make a fine addition to the flock. In fact, the "ladies" are already suitably impressed!