R.I.P. Clyde

Clyde took a turn for the worst last night and didn't stand up on his own a single time.  Even when we got him out of the crate to give him his medicine, he wasn't opening his eyes for very long.  

This morning, his comb was nearly all black and he would only open one eye briefly.  His breathing was very labored and I knew he wasn't going to last very much longer.  Johnathon went outside to check on him and watched him take list last few breaths.

It was devastating and has taken a major toll on both of us.  I started to dig a grave for him but quickly realized I wouldn't be able to bury him the same way we had buried the other birds.  I found a place that would cremate him and we will be picking up his ashes in a wood box this weekend.

Clyde was an amazing bird and definitely was a very influential part of our family learning that chickens were more than just egg producers.  His personality was a delight to see each day from the way that he would call his girls over to get treats he had found to the way that he came running to us each time that we came outside.  

He is missed and will be missed every day both by the oldest son and I, as well as his girls.  

These pictures are in order from when we first got him at about 3 months old to the last picture we have of him when he was healthy.  I'm choosing to leave the pictures of him in his weakened state out of this post as that isn't how he deserves to be remembered.  He was a tough bird and a fierce protector of his girls, but was an amazing friend to my oldest son.

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Clyde with two of his daughters

Doing his manly duties

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