Sure, just don't give him too much sugar overall. It will throw off the enzymes in his digestive system and cause a yeast overgrowth. But crushed ice with a little natural fruit like strawberries is a good option to cool him down.
Glad you joined.
Yes, since you are going to keep him, even just two hens would be good company. Three can be kept more easily than one. The little bit more you would spend on food will be amply repaid in eggs and their well-being. And if the hens are older than he is, it really really will help him to learn manners and respect from them! If you don't want more chickens, just be sure to eat all of the delicious eggs.
I never thought of a harness I can’t figure how it would work, but it would be funny walking around with a rooster on a leash. He seems to enjoy hanging out with the cats and our elderly blind dog. But he does like to follow me around. We have almost 5 acres but he does wander off the property.
Other animals can make good company as well. We have a little house hen named Butchie who needs special care. She prefers the company of our dogs to other chickens.
