In Loving Memory of Pookie Hagen
June 2015 — May 7, 2026
Pookie Hagen — lovingly known as Baby Bird, The Pookie Machine, and Mama’s Baby — was not just a rooster. He was a companion, a comfort, a source of joy, and truly one of a kind.
Born on Kim Hagen’s farm in Kershaw in June 2015, Pookie spent nearly 11 beautiful years filling the world around him with personality, love, and unforgettable charm. The son of Golden Girl and mentored closely by Heckle Hagen, Pookie quickly became a little prince in his mama’s eyes — and in the hearts of everyone lucky enough to know him.
Pookie loved deeply and lived fully. He adored being with his mama, spending his days crowing in tandem with Heckle Hagen, exploring outside with his fellow chickens and guineas, basking safely in the sunshine in his playpen, and sparring playfully through the wire with neighboring roosters. One of his favorite things in the world was having his head rubbed — soaking in affection and love from the person he trusted most.
At night, Pookie shared the bed with Kim, usually resting comfortably on his side among his pads, towels, and pillows. Sometimes he would snuggle close, but mostly he enjoyed stretching out peacefully, enjoying his royal little setup while staying close to Mama.
He had a playful spirit and a personality larger than life. He loved blueberries, millet, greens, and bits of people food, and he had a fascination with pecking and tugging at the cedar beads on Kim’s ju-ju bracelet. As a young rooster, Pookie was the fastest runner in the flock — darting through the house so fast that one day he slid sideways around a corner in complete surprise at himself. He also loved flying to the tops of open doors, proudly perching high above the room like royalty surveying his kingdom.
Pookie was no ordinary rooster — he was an adventurer. He traveled to Abbeville for Christmas, cruised through the bank drive-thru with Heckle Hagen charming the teller ladies, and even enjoyed a trip to Walmart. Everywhere he went, he brought smiles and attention with his sweet and social personality.
He loved to be held, touched, and cuddled. And when he was truly happy, comfortable, and full of love, he would softly smack his little lips three times — his special way of saying he was content. When he groomed his beautiful long tail feathers, pulling them carefully through his beak with a little “zip, zip” sound, he was showing off just for Mama.
More than anything, Pookie was a tremendous emotional support and comfort to Kim during quiet days on the farm after retirement. He brought companionship during lonely moments and filled the home with life, routine, and unconditional love.
There will truly never be another rooster like him.
Though Pookie passed away on May 7, 2026, at 3:05 PM, his spirit will forever live on in every sunrise crow, every quiet morning on the farm, and every memory held close to Mama’s heart.
Fly high, sweet Pookie Machine. You were deeply loved, endlessly cherished, and will never, ever be forgotten. 🐓🤍