At Nerdy Bird Farm, every animal has a story, and every story adds to the rich tapestry of our farm life. Today, we want to honor one of our most beloved farm residents, a rooster named Floof Doodle. Floof wasn't just any rooster—he was a cornerstone of our farm, a leader of his flock, and a cherished member of our family. As we reflect on his incredible life and recent passing, we want to share his story and the lasting impact he made on all of us.
Floof Doodle arrived at our farm as part of our very first order of chickens. Among a straight run of Americana/Auracana mixes and Marans, Floof was one of six roosters. Despite not having the most striking colors compared to some of the other roosters, it was his personality that truly set him apart. Named by our son Ethan, who adored his unique plumage and endearing crow, Floof quickly won our hearts.
While some of the other roosters were out of control, aggressive, or even antisocial, Floof stood out for his chivalrous and stoic nature. He was curious about us and the other farm animals and always treated his hens with the utmost respect. When we offered treats, Floof didn't greedily snarf them down. Instead, he would call out to his hens with a distinct song and dance, ensuring they got their fair share of the feast. He would even take a pinch of corn from our hands only to drop it in front of his hens, exemplifying his selfless nature.
Floof Doodle was an exemplary leader, never tolerating bullying but also never being a bully himself. He stood his ground when needed and firmly established himself as the leader of the flock. One night, a stray cat infiltrated our pen, killing one of our hens. Floof bravely secured the rest of the hens behind him and chased the cat up a post in the corner of the pen. We found the cat still trapped the next morning, with Floof looking ragged and tired but having kept his remaining flock safe.
Floof Doodle fathered many chickens on our farm, and his legacy continues through his offspring. His son, Pebbles, shares many of Floof's best qualities and now leads a flock of his own on the other side of the farm. Within Floof's flock, Lem, a young Maran mix rooster mentored for the last two years by Floof, has taken over as the leader and is doing well. Floof’s influence is evident in the strength and harmony of these flocks.
In recent months, Floof had been looking more tired, and his vibrant colors began to fade. Despite this, he remained healthy, spry, and had a great appetite. When Ethan found him while collecting eggs, Floof had peacefully passed away in his sleep among his beloved flock. There were no signs of stress, disease, or injury. It was simply his time to go.
We laid Floof Doodle to rest under the Goodbye Tree, a mountain mahogany in the field behind our pasture. This special tree has become the final resting place for many of our favorite animals, where they can be reclaimed by nature.
So, thank you, Floof. Thank you for showing us what a great rooster is and setting our flock up for success. Your legacy will continue to thrive on Nerdy Bird Farm, and you will always be remembered fondly.
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