Friday, February 18, 2011

Isn't There A Code of Ethics for the Animal World?

For several weeks, I nurtured and loved Ellie Mae.I bought him the best cat food available, because that's what he preferred.I found him a substitute Mother(a feather duster) so he would feel secure at night while he slept. I furnished him with two loving playmates(Minnie and Lucky,our two cats) to pass the time away,while he was temporarily confined to the glass cookie jar on the counter.I took him outside on warm sunny days,and made him a nice fenced in pen for protection from our two dogs,Sarah and Bear, while he got some exercise,fresh air, and a few bugs from the grass.Even when he was full grown, I would let him inside, and dice up a slice of bologna,simply because I hated to see him begging at the door for a treat and our companionship once more.I would take him out to the big chicken yard daily, hoping he would gradually figure out he was a chicken.My goal was to gradually integrate him into the flock of hens that would soon be HIS harem.Now that he is full grown, he stays full time in the chicken yard with his flock of hens.I went out this morning to visit with him for a few minutes since Pop has been his main caregiver for a week or so.Pop normally cares for the chickens anyway, for the most part.I was in hopes that Ellie Mae had not forgotten me, after all I'd done for him,but it was too late. He was indeed,now a full fledged Rooster,and he had no patience for me. I reached down to rub his back once more, and he bit(or shall I say flogged) the hand that once fed him.I don't suppose chicken practice that rule.Never bite the hand that feeds you. Oh well,I got him this far. Hopefully, he can now live out his life like any other normal rooster. I'll still have my pictures and my memories.

5 comments:

  1. I'm afraid he would have found my boot on his rear if he did that. Ungrateful chicken! Sorry he thinks he's a big man...er rooster now.

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  2. Cute story...but,cruel ending of course...my daughter has a rooster that tries to attack everyone....I threaten him with my cane if he gets to close when I go outside..... he backs off nicely though,haven't had to hit him yet!:)
    Blessings

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  3. Think of it this way Sue, he is now a full fledged rooster, no longer a pet and ready to do his duty! All thanks to you.

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  4. I suppose that roosters are just roosters no matter how sweet you are to them in the beginning.

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  5. I think Ellie Mae probably only remembers what happened 5 seconds ago -- the rest is all Mother Nature. That's a chicken for you.

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