Sunday, October 7, 2012

R.I.P. John Henry

John Henry was one of our very first roosters at Hidden Haven. He lived to be almost 7 yrs old. I had thought he was even older but was mistaken. John Henry was a wonderful protector of his hens and always so gentle and caring with them.
Always letting them know when it was time to climb the ladder to roost.






 He even took their chicks under his wings. I didn't take any photos of him the past few months as he was getting so tired he couldn't get on the roost at night and would rest on the ground. I would help him stand each morning as his legs were stiff. We thought about putting him down but his eyes were so clear and his mind seemed so alert. We did move him to the green house with 3 hens and for the past 3 months he was very content. He would eat and then sit and watch his hens. If something alerted him he would call and they would run next to him and stand really still. He let us pick him up, hold him, and talk to him. He actually watched as you talked and seemed to understand every word. I know chickens come and chickens go and they aren't really important to most people. They never had a John Henry. He had and will always have a special place in my heart. I have cried over losing goats, dogs, rabbits, and now I am shedding tears for a dear old friend that was always the first one to crow to start my days. For my dear old friend who greeted me each time I opened his pen by strutting tall and proud to show me he was taking care of his hens. For the dear friend that would look so deep into my eyes each time I helped him stand as if to say thank you. For the dear old friend that helped our hens provide us with chicks including his special son John Henry Jr. who is now trying to fill in and do as good a job with his hens. John Henry you may just be a rooster to many, but to me you will always be John Henry, my special feathered friend. You did an awesome job here on the homestead and will always be part of us. Goodbye my friend. Rest in peace.


11 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

i'm sorry. he sounds like one of a kind. i read so many people who struggle with aggressive, even dangerous roosters. he seemed anything but.

Phyllis (N/W Jersey) said...

So sad to hear about John Henry. Isn't it funny (in a nice way) how we feel about our chickens? Every single one has it's own personality!
You get to know when they are feeling frisky or not feeling well. You just have to look in their eyes.
Such silly birds give us so much joy!
May John Henry Jr. give you the same kind of enjoyment.

sweetvintageofmine said...

Well, I can hardly type for my eyes are filled with tears running down my face~~~Though I've never had a rooster or chicks(did want to) I love animals dearly. I have to keep myself at bay or they would own my house, not me. Anyway, my HEART aches for you and your loss of JOHN HENRY. I do believe GOD puts love in our lives that touches our deepest soul and in this case, it was a ROOSTER named JOHN HENRY~~~~~Glad to have met you~~~From one sweetie to another~~~Roxie

carolina nana said...

I can relate to the special place in our hearts hens and roosters can have. I have a hen that waits for me to come shut the hen house up each night. she meets me at the gate,squats for me to pick her up and makes the most contented clucking sound as I stroke her feathers and sit her on the roost pole.
Farm life can be hard sometimes.
Blessings
Marilyn

Mum said...

Awe what a lovely guy he sounds. I am so sorry for your loss. Animals, and the relationships they develop with us are such a treasure. I do not believe he could have had a better life anywhere or with anyone else. I hope his son will live a long life and be there for you and the hens when you think about John Henry.

Kelly said...

I'm sorry to hear about John Henry. It hurts so much when they pass. I'm glad there is another strong roo to take care of the hens. I love the hens, turkeys,guineas. They all have such different personalities.

JMD said...

This made me cry. I remember being on my grandpa's farm as a child and hearing the rooster crowing while it was still dark out. Only to arise and find everyone gathered around the kitchen table. Smile.

After living in the city for 50 some years and now more rural. I truly enjoy listening to the neighbor's rooster start in around 4am. Brings back sweet memories.

Sorry about the passing of John Henry. A good rooster if I ever heard of one.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry... We had our George Washington, and I felt the same as you when we lost him. Some roosters are just special, aren't they?

Carolyn said...

RIP, John Henry. A nicer rooster there may have never been!

Carole Burant said...

Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear these sad news:( I didn't realize that roosters could live for so many years...shows how happy he was living at Hidden Haven!! I know how sad you are when you lose a beloved animal so sending you big hugs in comfort. xoxo

Tia Rose said...

I am so sorry about John Henry. My rooster was Robert and he was a Road Island Read. He had such a personality. John Henry was a luck rooster to have such a loving family.