Gertrude. The name is of German origin and means “strength”. Our Gertie wasn’t from Germany, but she was every bit as strong as the ‘name meaning’ suggests.
We brought Gertrude home in the summer of 2014 along with her younger sister Dandy (short for Dandelion – so named to reflect her very sunny disposition). Although the two girls were very young, they were already producing silky smooth, light brown eggs. Both were a beautiful deep shade of rusty red. Our knowledge of Rhode Island Reds was limited but we knew the breed was hardy and that they were good layers.
Gertrude took charge the second we let her out of her crate. She was met at the gate by our three large Brahmas: Jack – our sweet handsome rooster, and his two sisters – Shea and Brownie. Standing in front of Dandy, Gert clucked and squawked and strutted, letting everyone know that she was the boss. I don’t understand chicken language, but she must’ve explained herself in a way that meant ‘business’ because nobody rebutted or asked any questions! Usually when new chickens are put into the fold, scuffles break out until a pecking order is established. Brownie and Shea, who were much bigger than Gert, stood behind Jack as if to say ‘yes ma’am’. And Jack… well, Jack fell head over heels in love with Dandy the moment he saw her. He willingly gave up his authority so he could be with Dandy. Once she realized he wasn’t going to hurt her, Gertrude let Jack follow Dandelion everywhere she went. And Dandy was in heaven. They’d dart across the yard chasing bugs together, hold up weird shaped blades of grass for the other to examine, and do what they loved most – taking baths in the dirt on a sunny day. Brownie and Shea always joined in, while cautious Gert stood guard, surveying the skies for predators. After Jack had his fill, he’d take over the watch and Gert would flop down next to her sister. That chicken was a contortionist. She could get herself into shapes and positions one wouldn’t think possible for a bird. Then she’d just lay there, still as a stone, letting the sun soak in. The others would stand up, shake off, and gaze down at her in wonder. She was so entertaining.
Gertrude was stern, but fair. When disagreements did break out, she’d get right in the middle of the brawl and, I’m convinced, tell everyone to shake hands and make up. We’d watch her cluck at one, then the other, and then back at the first one. To our amazement, peace would be restored and soon the whole flock was running around and playing again. And when Jack was sulking over whatever roosters sulk about, Gert would comfort him and gently groom his comb and waddles, bringing instant relief. Gert was like a ‘super chicken’! Not surprising. There have been many ‘super Gertrudes’ throughout history. To name a few:
Gertrude Courtenay (1504 – 1558) Marchioness of Exeter, married to Henry Courtenay of the court of Henry VIII , and godmother to the future Elizabeth I.
Gertrude Bell (1868–1926) archaeologist and spy
Gertrude Weil (1879–1971) Jewish American activist in women’s suffrage, labor reform, and civil rights
Gertrud Luckner (1900–1995) Christian social worker against Nazism
Gertrude Crampton (1909–1996) American children’s writer and teacher
Gertrude Alderfer (1931–2018) American professional baseball player
Gertrude Vachon (1962–2010) better known as Luna Vachon, American professional wrestler
There are so many more not mentioned here. All strong, amazing women. All with the name – Gertrude.
Huffpost, “Parenting – 15 Girls’ Names That Have Plummeted in Popularity — How Times Have Changed”, by Caroline Bologna, states: “Gertrude peaked in popularity in 1906, when it took the No. 22 spot on the list. That year, 2,580 baby girls were named Gertrude. Its final year in the rankings was 1965, and in 2017, a mere 26 baby Gertrudes came into the world.”
Which in my humble opinion, makes the name even more special.
As time went by, new members were added to the flock and some have passed. An optimist at heart, I always hope (expect) everyone to live to their maximum life span age. Most chickens live five to seven years although ten to twelve years is not uncommon. So of course, I think all my feathered babies will live to be at least ten. I miss the ones who aren’t here, but have sweet memories of their time with our family.
We didn’t have Gert for ten years, but we did get to enjoy her loveliness for six delightful years. Although I’m no longer an inexperienced farm girl and have set more realistic expectations around the life spans of chickens, I still feel that sad little sting when one is gone. Gertrude was a real lady. She was a champ. She was a Marchioness, archaeologist, activist, social worker, writer, wrestler and baseball player. She was a silky red head who laid the most perfectly shaped, delicious brown eggs. She was sergeant, flock mate, sister, family. Regal, confident, unselfish, calming. She was our chicken. She was our Gertie. Thanks for the memories Gertrude! Here’s to you!
Gertrude: Rhode Island Red from Hampton, Ct. 2014-2020
Cindy Bezanson