Every homestead has that one animal who captures your attention more than the rest — the one whose story makes you smile every time you tell it. For us, that’s Yeti the Great, our year-and-a-half-old Silkie rooster with the personality of a gentle giant.

Yeti joined our flock during my very first chicken swap — a whirlwind of feathers, laughter, and lessons. I was told he was absolutely a hen, and I was thrilled to bring home this fluffy white bundle of feathers. A month later, the unmistakable sound of a young rooster crowing echoed through the coop. That’s when I realized my sweet “hen” was no lady at all. Just like that, Yeti the Great was born.

A Silkie with Style and Serenity

Silkies are known for their calm and friendly demeanor, and Yeti embodies every bit of that charm. He’s easygoing, docile, and surprisingly confident. Despite his soft personality, Yeti commands quiet respect in the run. When another rooster was introduced, it became clear almost immediately that Yeti was the boss — not because he was loud or aggressive, but because his calm authority carried weight. It’s a reminder that true leadership doesn’t always shout; sometimes it simply is.

Life with a Gentle Rooster

Having a rooster like Yeti adds a special kind of peace to the homestead. He may not contribute eggs or honey, but his presence brings balance and calm to our daily routine. Watching him wander around the coop, is a small joy that reminds me why I love homesteading in the first place — it’s about the personalities, the surprises, and the stories that unfold along the way.

Every morning, Yeti greets me with a soft chirp and a curious look. He’s often the first to notice when I step into the run, and the last to leave when I head back to the house. I’ve come to realize that productivity isn’t always measured in what an animal gives, but in the quiet joy they bring to our lives.

Lessons from Yeti

Yeti the Great may not lay eggs, but he reminds me daily to appreciate the small things — calm mornings, curious chickens, and the way a peaceful flock can set the tone for the whole day. He’s proof that even the fluffiest, most unexpected rooster can become the heart of the homestead.

So here’s to Yeti the Great — the fluffy-footed, calm-hearted king of our coop, and proof that sometimes, the animals who surprise us the most end up being the ones we love the best.