Sophie
Spring of 1993 - Winter of 2004
We lost a dear friend today. Sophie passed away peacefully
this afternoon
In the spring of 1993 we bought 3 dozen day old
chicks. Sophie was one of them. As they grew we moved them to
a chicken coup in the barn. During the day they roamed free range.
At night we locked them in the coop to protect them from predators.
All went well for a while. They began laying eggs - we had plenty.
The flock flourished. We bought a rooster and named him Jake.
He didn't last long, one of our dogs killed him. Over the years
we eventually lost all but three hens. Raccoon killed most. Our
dogs and a red fox took some. After raccoons became such a big
problem (nightly raids on the chicken coop), Sophie and the two
other remaining hens moved to the house to roost at night. Both
of the other hens died some time ago - Sophie survived.
She has for years now roosted on the wood box outside
the kitchen door at the old house. Meeting and greeting all who
come and go. Her distinctive personality was apparent to all.
She had the respect of all the other animal residents, large and
small. One of her favorite things to do in the growing season
was to follow the lawn mower and catch bugs. Has even gained some
fame in her day - her picture featured on a credit card. Stopped
laying eggs long ago. Looked poorly during her molting periods,
but always regained her shiny plumage. Of late she had started
to crow in the morning like a rooster - never understood that.
This winter was had for her. She sustained a couple
of attacks from an unknown predator - recovering from both. Today
(14 Jan 2004) started out like many others. We're having a warm
spell after some really cold days and nights. She came to eat
- drank her water - clucked away like her old self. Laid down
to sun herself on the back porch and peacefully passed away.
Sophie you will be sorely missed.
on the roost with Rosie - Sophie always got the
inside position
Sophie and Rosie feeding in the barn