R.I.P. Fuzzy

We lost our rooster Fuzzy a couple of weeks ago, but I was way too emotional to post at the time. The original plan in the Fall of 2014 was to only have laying hens. But when we sold/gave away the other cockerels from our first batch of chicks, no one took Fuzzy so he just kind of … hung out … then suddenly found himself overseeing a flock of hens.

Fuzzy the Blue-Lace Red Wyandotte, sharing the best greens with Red.

We had a rough time when we first moved to Salt Spring Island. I adored Vancouver. And I really, really missed it. Getting the chicks helped cement us on the island, and – nine months later – when our landlords broke our ‘long-term’ lease, it was the chickens that helped us make the decision to stay, to find a place where we could house them on our own property.

Fuzzy overseeing his ladies.

Sometimes when I couldn’t sleep at night from the anxiety that surrounded that time in our lives, I would imagine the chickens cuddled up in their coop, sleeping peacefully and cooing softly to each other.

After a snowstorm and terribly distrustful of the chilly ‘white stuff’.

Fuzzy had been having trouble with his legs for the last two years, and the vet couldn’t figure out the issue. We carried him around a bit for the last few months of his life, just when he needed help or encouragement. Placing him with his ladies when they were free-ranging always made him happy. He loved giving them treats or finding them comfy places to nest, though they usually ignored him. He used to crow after us, calling us back when we dared to leave the property for a walk.

Fuzzy flaring his neck feathers at getting his picture taken.

The night before he passed, he tried to wander off after sunset. But we tucked him in the coop with his ladies and he passed way in his sleep.

Watching over his ladies.

RIP Fuzzy. Thank you for bringing so much light into our lives.

23 thoughts on “R.I.P. Fuzzy

  1. I am very sorry for your loss it is never easy to lose someone that you love fur, feather or human

  2. I’m so sorry for your loss. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly animals become family. I cried like a baby when our turtle passed away. Grieving is natural whether your a chicken Mom a turtle Mom or your babies have 4 furry feet.

  3. I’m so sorry for your loss. Isn’t wonderful that animals offer us comfort and can also accept comfort from us? Showing love, receiving love is a language all on its own. May happy memories of Fuzzy live in your heart. Beautiful bird.

  4. Really sorry for your loss. A feathery/furry/scaly friend is always difficult to see go; I have been there. Take care.

  5. Megan, I’m so sorry. He was an incredibly beautiful fellow. I sometimes think of getting chickens. I have a coop, but haven’t the faintest idea what to do with them. Yours are so beautiful, so maybe I’ll have to do some sleuthing. I hope Fuzzy finds tons of hens in rooster-heaven to make nice with.

  6. A well-loved rooster… so sorry for your loss… funny how animals, whether they be four legged or two-winged, find ways to help us through the emotional times. I’m sure his feathered posse/harem miss him too!

  7. Bummer! Pets give us so much joy and their loss is so difficult. He was a handsome fella that was clearly loved, cared for and had a fantastic life with your family! Hugs!

  8. I started out with a pair of bantams, a dominecker(speckled chicken), and a couple of game hens. Lost my bantam rooster to his first son when he was old enough to fight for the flock. Only real pet chicken I had was from a small group of chicks that were attacked while we were away. Had to separate them so others would not kill them.

  9. The loss of any pet is so hard. I feel you pain. It lasts for a long time, but so does the memories which is a good thing. The full out lives with such joy. So sorry Fuzzy is gone 😢

  10. My condolences on Rusty’s passing. Pets are part of the family and there loss is deeply felt. Many hugs
    💕

Chat with MCD!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.