Have you ever been rudely awakened in the middle of the night by the loud crowing of a rooster? If so, you’re not alone. Many people who live near or own roosters have experienced the surprise of hearing a rooster crow at seemingly odd hours. But why do roosters crow at night, and is it…

Roosters have internal testicles that produce sperm, but they lack an external penis. Instead, they have papillae that transfer sperm directly into the hen’s reproductive tract through a “cloaca kiss.” While less obvious than in mammals, roosters do possess the necessary male reproductive anatomy to fertilize eggs. Roosters are an iconic symbol of the farm,…