DALLAS (AP) — A Dallas hardware store’s unusual mascot is proving popular with customers.

Prince George is a Buff Orpington rooster. He occupies a spot in the front of the Gecko Hardware Store.

The store’s co-owner Andrea Ridout says foot traffic went up noticeably on the weekends when customers realized the rooster likes the attention.

Ridout says Prince George started ruling the roost when a little girl returned him after she learned he wouldn’t become a hen. The rooster has occupied the top spot on the store’s pecking order for a year.

Dallas officials have given the store an exemption to keep the feathered animal on the premises. Prince George also visits schools and senior citizen sites.

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