MI don't really need another rooster I told my friend.....as I stared at a huge white rooster with inner toes that turned in badly like they had been broken. Well I'll just give him to the guy as a meat bird....she new that was my weakness, once I looked at one the thought of it being killed would haunt me. Ok I sighed...give him here. I'm a sucker I whispered to myself. Once home hubby reminded me I didn't need another rooster... I know, I know.... I'll find him a home I said. Hubby knew that was code for, .....he may be here forever. We named him Sergeo. He was a big white rock rooster, best I could tell. Very stunning dispute his crooked inner toes and his temperament exceeded his looks. He was very docile natured, very good with the ladies and tolerat of other Roos but wouldn't hesitate to put youngsters in their place. He would come when called and tolerated my affection .... Just a good ole rooster.
Years later he developed bumble foot in areas around his bent toes. I tried many times to remove it, but the puss was just not a normal plug. Still he did his rooster thing, enjoying his life... Maybe just a little slower. His other foot became infected also, still no plugs to pull out. I tried many times and Sergeo was always a good patient, even though I knew it hurt. Still he trucked on. Later it developed more up his legs. He slowed and stumbled more. I often tried to bring myself to put him down.... When I mustered the courage, he would come to me and give me that look. That deep into your soul look. He would then flap his wings, stretch up high and let out a huge crow, then wattle back to his girls. I guess not today, he's not ready... I justified to myself. Time past, he slowed more but every time I tried to get the courage.... He read my mind. I knew it would be comming, just not that day. Still he went on with his rooster life, watching his young sons tower over his huge frame, growing bigger than he. He spent more time basking in the sun, sitting in the grass. .. He grew more tired.
Today I found him on his back. He was unable to right himself. I helped him up and petted him. I told him it was ok, that I loved him... He'd been a great boy and I would miss him. He died in my arms. Today I lost a great rooster, one we all try to find.
Years later he developed bumble foot in areas around his bent toes. I tried many times to remove it, but the puss was just not a normal plug. Still he did his rooster thing, enjoying his life... Maybe just a little slower. His other foot became infected also, still no plugs to pull out. I tried many times and Sergeo was always a good patient, even though I knew it hurt. Still he trucked on. Later it developed more up his legs. He slowed and stumbled more. I often tried to bring myself to put him down.... When I mustered the courage, he would come to me and give me that look. That deep into your soul look. He would then flap his wings, stretch up high and let out a huge crow, then wattle back to his girls. I guess not today, he's not ready... I justified to myself. Time past, he slowed more but every time I tried to get the courage.... He read my mind. I knew it would be comming, just not that day. Still he went on with his rooster life, watching his young sons tower over his huge frame, growing bigger than he. He spent more time basking in the sun, sitting in the grass. .. He grew more tired.
Today I found him on his back. He was unable to right himself. I helped him up and petted him. I told him it was ok, that I loved him... He'd been a great boy and I would miss him. He died in my arms. Today I lost a great rooster, one we all try to find.
