He wasn't just a chicken

Sjisty

Scribe of Brahmalot
12 Years
May 18, 2009
4,252
358
371
Brooksville
We lost a beloved pet last night. Years ago we fell in love with Brahmas and so I bought an incubator and some hatching eggs. Hatching on Christmas Day, 2006, we became the proud parents of several bouncing baby chicks! We ended up keeping one cockerel and two pullets.

This little cockerel kept getting himself into trouble. At one point he either ate something poisonous or got botulism, because suddenly one day he couldn't raise his head. By the end of the day, he couldn't stand. I brought him inside and placed him in a box to die in peace. Within two days, he was up on his feet and eager to go back outside! Since he was such a fighter, we named him Rocky.


We watched him grow into a beautiful rooster. He was an excellent protector of his flock of ladies for quite a few years.


Eventually, he "retired" and his son became alpha rooster. Then last summer we found Rocky again unable to stand. He appeared to have had a stroke and then suffered a beating by the other two roosters. He was brought inside again for several days until he was able to get around with the help of his one good leg and a wing.

For the last year, Rocky was kept in a pen and run with a hen for company so he would be safe from the other roosters. Lately, he wanted to be out with the flock. As he seemed fully recovered with only a residual limp, Rocky was again allowed to free range and was happy for the last three months or so, although a pale shadow of his former self.



For the last week or so, Rocky has been fading away, and last night he died. Goodbye, sweet man. You are already missed! We had you for nearly 8 years and now there is an empty place in my heart for you. You were so much more than "just a chicken."
 
I am so sorry about Rocky. He was a beautiful rooster. I hope your heart can heal soon...it is never easy to lose your beloved feathered friend.
hugs.gif
 

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