Angel - nubs and kisses

Angel was surrendered to us by a family who recognised that they were unable to provide the care that she needed.

She had been purchased as a 2 day old chick but as she grew, her legs did not develop properly.

Upon intake assessment, we noticed that she was in pain and had a pressure sore on one of her leg nubs. She was put on pain relief and began regular soaking and bandaging whilst we cleared this for her.

As her legs had not developed properly and her joints had fused in awkward places, she was bearing weight in places that were not designed to take weight. We knew that she would always have limited mobility but felt that she would be able to live a fulfilled life with the right set up.

We worked through many different leg support options and finally found some cushioning that worked for her and stayed on.

We also found a water solution that was safe for her, so that she could have access to water whenever she needed it, without the risk of tipping in and drowning.

When were were happy that we had established a comfortable set up and routine for her, she was rehomed to a couple with other special needs hens, and she now lives indoors with chickens in similar situations.

Angel is determined and brave and didn't seem ready to give up. Sadly, we have had similar intakes who have not faired so well. It can be incredibly painful for them to live with leg deformities and each case is different. Regardless of the case, chickens with deformed legs require very careful management and adjusted set ups.