Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
If his name didn't make it obvious, Chicken George loves chickens. He loves them like Han loves the Millennium Falcon. Like Michael Bay loves explosions. Like Kel loves orange soda.
In other words: a lot.
The real question, of course, is why. Is it because it provides him a chiller option to fieldwork? Is it the relative respect Massa Lea affords him due to his position? Or is it just about the money? While all three might be true to varying degrees, the main reason George loves chickens is that they represent freedom.
He makes this revelation while watching a wild chicken, one that he normally would catch and train for fighting. Check it out:
The bright sunlight glinted off its iridescent plumage. Its carriage was powerful and ferocious, from the glittering eyes to the stout yellow legs and their lethal spurs. Every ounce, every inch of him symbolized its boldness, spirit, and freedom so dramatically that Chicken George left vowing this bird must never be caught and trained and trimmed. It must remain there with its hens among the pines—untouched and free! (99.34)
Chicken George has always been drawn to fighting chickens because they seem so free, but that couldn't be less true. They're owned by Massa Lea, and they spend their days either working and being cooped up. They're not living their lives wild and free like chickens should.
This helps Chicken George understand how he too has had his freedom withheld from him. Although he's always had difficulty navigating the power dynamic between him and his father/owner Massa Lea, he has finally realized that he belongs out there—anywhere where he can be free.