Mike The Headless Chicken episode artwork

EPISODE · Dec 29, 2025 · 3 MIN

Mike The Headless Chicken

from The Cowboy Cantos - Cowboy Poetry & Stories · host Jason Curtman

Back in 1946, you could go to the county fair and see an unusual bird that defied all expectations. Folks gathered for bronc rides, quilts, and pie, but what they witnessed was no ordinary rooster. This was Mike the Headless Chicken - a bird that survived the farmer’s axe, strutted on without a noggin, and became a living marvel that baffled scientists and delighted crowds across the country.Through cowboy poetry and heritage storytelling, Jason Curtman takes you back to that fairground, where popcorn popped, kids hollered, and a headless rooster strutted with stubborn grit. From the laughter of the crowd to the farmer’s care, Mike’s tale reminds us that sometimes the truth is taller than any tale.Thanks for reading The Cowboy Cantos! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cowboycantos.substack.com

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Mike The Headless Chicken

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How long is this episode of The Cowboy Cantos - Cowboy Poetry & Stories?

This episode is 3 minutes long.

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This episode was published on December 29, 2025.

What is this episode about?

Back in 1946, you could go to the county fair and see an unusual bird that defied all expectations. Folks gathered for bronc rides, quilts, and pie, but what they witnessed was no ordinary rooster. This was Mike the Headless Chicken - a bird that...

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