R.I.P. Napoleon

20 years ago

For those of you who may remember and have been amused by the antics of my Speckled Sussex rooster, Napoleon, over the past three years, I just wanted to let you know that he died last night from complications from his bad case of frostbite.

Napolen spent his last days in my kitchen, being cossetted with special foods and antibiotic ointment for his comb and wattles. After several days of seeming improvement, he took a sudden turn for the worse yesterday.

While we am not unduly sentimental about our chickens, Nap had a special place in our hearts, since we raised him with our first batch of day-old chicks. He was a good roo, protective and quite gentle to the hens and kind to the chicks. The chicken yard was his kingdom and by choice he seldom left it even though his hens free-range at some distance.

We're going to miss the old boy.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

boopster
20 years ago
Ahhh, I'm so sorry you lost Napoleon:( He sounded like a cool dude. He was a lucky roo to have such a good mom :) Not many chickens I'm sure are doctored in a kitchen. Sending good thoughts your way.
GennyM
20 years ago
I am so sorry about your rooster. i know how I'd feel if something happened to one of my muscovie boys. I'm terribly sorry though, he sounded so wonderful :)
Related Professionals
Louisville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Auburn Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Dubuque Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Flagstaff Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Sarnia Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Middletown Landscape Contractors · Gainesville Landscape Contractors · Annapolis Landscape Contractors · Winston-Salem Landscape Contractors · Wichita Falls Landscape Contractors · Buffalo Landscape Contractors · Salt Lake City Landscape Contractors · Elizabeth City Accessory Dwelling Units · Brainerd Accessory Dwelling Units · Orange County Accessory Dwelling Units
shellybabe
20 years ago
I am so sorry to hear about Napolean, maggie. He sure sounded like a prize roo.
bethw
20 years ago
Oh, poor Napoleon. I'm sorry:(
Maggie_J
Original Author
20 years ago
Thanks, everyone, for the kind words of understanding and support. Yes, Napoleon was a terrific roo - and quite a character, as so many roos are. I will miss him, but hey, he had a good life - all those wives and kids, a nice home in the country and nursing care when he needed it.

Boopster, I've been following your posts about Bob and am so glad to hear he is doing well and enjoying life. He's one lucky dog to have you!
velvet_sparrow
20 years ago
I'm sorry you lost Napoleon, he sounded like a marvelous roo...truly good roos who are both gentle and protective to their hens are hard to come by. I'm glad he got to spend his last days in your company being loved and cared for.

Velvet ~:>
sullicorbitt
20 years ago
Maggie,

I'm so very sorry to hear about Napoleon, he sounded like such a special guy. You really showed such kindness in your caring for him, he knew he was loved.

God Bless,
-Sheila
Maggie_J
Original Author
20 years ago
Thanks Velvet and Sheila... I know both of you understand why I brought Nap into the house to care for him. Brian held him for me whenever I put the ointment on his comb and wattles, and you could tell that Nap appreciated it. It seemed to make him a lot more comfortable. I'm glad about that, even if in the end the TLC wasn't enough to pull him through.
HerringboneD28
20 years ago
My one remaining Speckled Sussex hen is my favorite and I will surely get a few more for my little flock. After reading your stories about Napoleon, you can bet I will pick up a Sussex roo to go with them. Thanks !!
Maggie_J
Original Author
20 years ago
Herringbone - That's the best tribute Napoleon could have! Thanks! :-)

~ Maggie
judyag_44
20 years ago
Oh, Jeez, Maggie I am so sorry that the cool Nap is gone but how lucky he was to get to spend his last days in your warm kitchen with all the good, thoughtful care that you gave him. He may have been "just a chicken" but he was one special chicken....

Good job! We can't always have things go our way but as long as we do our very best how can we go wrong?

Judy