True Grit

The pigs have had a week's reprieve. The butcher's son couldn't pick them up and the "transport" that was going to fill in so to speak, never materialised, so after flagging down the red faced welsh farmer on the main road and enlisting his help, I have provisionally booked them in for next Tuesday.
It's been another gloomy wet day here and I feel it has been a bit of a waste hanging around for phonecalls and the like, however in between the showers, I have spent a little time getting to know Rooster Cogburn, the blind cockerel from Alton Towers.
He's a sweet natured lad, who is well used to being handled, and despite not really knowing me or my voice as yet , he sat carefully on my knee when I picked him up and stayed calm and still as I stroked his feathers and checked his eyes.
Eating and drinking for him seems not to be a major problem as I think he can just make out his bright green feeding bowl in his one barely functioning eye, however all it takes is a finger splashing the water in his water bowl or a rhythmic shake of his corn and his head is immediately down eager to find out what is available.
Putting Vinegar tits in with him was a bit of an inspiration, for he seems to love the company of another bird, and I have found it rather touching to watch him occasionally reaching out with his beak to comb through her feathers in a gentle gesture of contact
Yes he is useless, he has not even got enough meat on him to make 4 points on a weightwater's supper, but looking at him sitting still in his run, alert and careful I think that there is something quite valiant about him and his gentle ability to keep going

29 comments:

  1. it's a good thing as we would say, leting him live out his last days in peace and quiet.

    Gill in Canada

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  2. Anonymous3:18 pm

    If that pic is him, he is very handsome. Somewhere in the universe yet another positive tick has gone in beside your name John.

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  3. I love Rooster Cogburn from here John - you are such a dear taking in all those waifs and strays.

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  4. So, how many times have I heard a person say that he picked up his blind cockeral and put him on his knee. Never, only on your blog and we are all the better for it. You always put a smile on my face, John.

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  5. You two were meant for each other. Both helping one another when you need it most.
    Jane x

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  6. Such animals are a beautiful reminder of how we are amazingly adaptable and how having the worst happen to us can bring out the best in us. Thanks for sharing.

    Lana

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  7. Thanks for mentioning he reaches for VT. I'd love to know if she responds in any way.

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  8. How lucky he is that he ended up with you.

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  9. What an excellent name. Rooster Cogburn! Are you going to make him wear an eye patch?

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  10. You're going soft; he's a sandwich (okay, a rather small one, but still a sandwich).

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  11. Love the image of him sitting on our knee being stroked. Great therapy -- both ways!

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  12. Perhaps Rooster Cogburn is also a balm to V.T. since she's only known the aggressive cockerel.

    I know chickens and roosters aren't considered the brightest animals, but i'm guessing Rooster C has determined that although you're new to him, you're kind, and he's willing to give you a chance. I'm glad you're giving him one.

    megan

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  13. I'd say that if he brings a bit of tranquility into your day and a bit of comfort to Vinegar Tits, Rooster Cogburn is NOT useless at all!

    P.S. I replied to your comment on my blog post but will reiterate here: you have my permission to reuse one of my photos as long as the watermark remains visible. Thank you for asking! I am honored.

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  14. Oh, god, you've got me going again, touching my heart strings with your tales....lol
    Briony
    x

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  15. Being a comfort and inspiration is a lot more than useless, don't you think?

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  16. Lovely Post John a very heroic thing you did.

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  17. So you just have showers all day the John.

    At least your skin is clean you naughty man!

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  18. Chicky. Let's hope he keeps his pecker up.

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  19. I betcha Vinegar Tits is tickled pink with having a 'man' around....it's like being at the 'home'!

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  20. Glad to hear they are getting along so well. I agree, perhaps Vinegar Tits will settle down a bit.

    Glad Rooster Cogburn is settling in well. :)

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  21. Love the names! And who knows, they get along well, you will have more blog fodder, if nothing else!

    Cat

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  22. What a lovely gentle person you are to look after this poor little fellow. I hope he can enjoy some quality time with you. Here we would say it's his turn to feel the sun on his back in his final days/years - hoping you are getting a little sun over there!
    cheers

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  23. Anonymous10:56 pm

    I adore Rooster Cogburn...love chickens anyway and gimpy ones especially! And he gets along with Vinegar Tits...what a guy! Wow now I miss my chickens...I just might have to have a cry!

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  24. You have a kind heart.

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  25. Please reconsider saving #21. I look at her picture and keep thinking, "why didn't I say something". Do you need all that meat?-you need to creatively store it at others' houses. She could make you more babies. Please keep her.

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  26. Oh, that is SO touching. I think I'm quite in love with Alton Towers now.
    Am feeling very sorry for the pigs.

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  27. Oh, by the way, I meant to say Rooster Cogburn and not Alton Towers. I really do identify with the blind old bird - I'm having cataract surgery in a couple of weeks and right now I am so blind in one eye that I have to sort of squint it shut in order to see anything. Obviously I misread the rooster's name. This is Cro Magnon's blog, is it not?

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  28. Love you & the rooster - think the butcher's son's delay may be a sign worth heeding!

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  29. I'm kind of glad for the pigs...even if it is just delaying the inevitable...

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