Forever in My Heart

by Suzi
(USA)

Friday morning my little Roo, Croakin’ Joe died right before my eyes. He was only ten weeks old, yet I loved him so much.

I had spent the previous weeks hoping he would turn out to be a Josephine, along with the three other pullets I was raising to join my existing flock of older birds. But he had been crowing for about ten days and was starting to grow saddle feathers so I knew I had a roo.

Joe was a charming little fellow, loving a cuddle on my lap, and enthusiastic about my every visit and treats I would scatter. He was protective of his flock mates yet always kind to them. He was such a happy little guy.

I guess he died of a phenomenon called Sudden Death Syndrome. My husband and I both witnessed Croakin’ Joe, who had been happily scratching and pecking in the yard, suddenly fall over, convulse, and die on his back. No other symptoms.

We buried him in my rose and day lily garden. My heart is broken. I have had other chickens die, but not suddenly, and not right before my eyes. It is a sight I will not soon forget.

The only comfort I have is that I gave him a happy life, even though it was short.