In November, Jean-Claude Baker found a live young rooster on the sidewalk in front of his restaurant and carried it inside, where it was applauded by the customers and serenaded by the restaurant pianist. The owner never claimed the chicken.

So, the rooster called Pepito by Mr. Baker after a Sicilian Count who was Josephine Baker's lover, has now taken up residence at Round Swamp Farm in East Hampton.

"Jean-Claude frequently visits our market in his pajamas asking for baguettes, so I was not surprised he brought us a chicken," said Caroline Snyder, the farm's owner. Added Mr. Baker, "Pepito will never end up as a 'coq au vin."