R.I. P.  Rooster In Peace

Yesterday we overslept.  Not something that usually ever happens at our house.  At first I didn't think anything about it then when I went out to feed the horses I noticed it was really quiet. 

Now if you know me or have ever called me at home when I'm outside then you know where this is going.  Among the many animals at my house was also A.H. the Rooster.  Often I'm asked " Is that a rooster I hear?"

He wasn't always charming and occasionally had real moments, but still he belonged to our little group. Some of my least favorite moments were normal rooster teenage moments.  If you are at all familiar with roosters you know what I am talking about. 

There are the moments when they start feeling their oats and run up behind you and try to jump on you and attack you ( usually chased off with a broom, a screech, and a few swear words).  Then of course is the learning to crow part... it's a little like a young man's voice changing only 10x worse.  It's like a strangled, screeching Cock- a - doodle- argh .  Best part of all is once they find their voice they crow as much as possible at all hours of the night and day.  The neighbors least favorite ( besides the learning to crow part) is the full moon crowing part.  Ah yes full moon can often induce rooster insomnia that results in more crowing.

What I did like most about him was; eventually we reached an understanding ... You do not bite, jump or run after the hand that feeds you.  He also finally figured his crowing out and reached reasonable wake up hours.  I loved how he and the dogs liked to chase each other with the fence in between guaranteeing that both dog and rooster looked equally brave and ferocious, and neither meaning the other real harm.  It was just a big game.

I liked that his best friend was my baby horse Blu.  He and Blu were quite compatible and there were days when I thought I even saw him perched on Blu's back.  When Blu dropped grain from his bucket A.H. was right there to gobble it up.  When Fay brought floodwaters to Blu's corral and he was afraid to leave his tiny piece of high ground A.H. stayed right with him. 

 Blu

So it was with a heavy heart that I found the evidence that something had murdered our farm rooster A.H.  I have had chickens for many years so it is something that happens but still is lousy. It made me sad to see he put up a valiant fight evidenced by the feathers.  I wondered why I hadn't heard a thing.  I am a very light sleeper as is my husband.  No horses making odd noises, no dogs growling, and not a sound of his attack.  I found the spot where the killer came under the fence and ultimately dragged him away. .  It made me feel bad that I hadn't been able to do a thing.  I guess life is like that sometimes... out of our control. 

It's a little quieter these days and I'm not sure I like it ....

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Copyright © 2008 By Shannon Gilmore All Rights Reserved. *A little quieter... 9/28/08