A story of resilience

Anyone who’s kept ex-commercial hens will know they have a zest for life. Even the most poorly hens who might be considered on their last legs will often find a way to survive.

They are one of the most resilient creatures, as is proven by the remarkable story of Pops – a little hen who found herself in the magnificent care of our Dorset volunteer Amy Robinson.

She arrived in Beaminster with a swollen eye and was deemed too poorly to be rehomed. After being taken to the vet, she was found to have a bad infection and, as you’d expect, was pretty miserable, lethargic and pale. Her treatment included antibiotic eye drops – not a pleasant experience for us humans, let alone hens who have no idea that this will make them better – along with oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. Her eye also had to be flushed three times a day.

Amy told us: “After a few days, the infection began to loosen and break away from the eye. With great care, I was able to remove the solid infection using tweezers. Pops was an absolute star throughout. She was so calm, well behaved, and very trusting, even if she wasn’t thrilled by the situation. She was a very good girl throughout treatment.”

During recovery, Pops spent most of her time in the house, but after several weeks and once her infection was under control and the eye began to heal, she became brighter, more confident and more curious about her friends.

While nervous at first, Pops eventually integrated with the rest of the flock and made companions, though she still came running whenever Amy entered the coop, clearly not deterred by the eye drop experience. Though she will never have use of her eye, she is now completely healed and living her best life.

Amy continued: “She is a delightful chicken, very friendly, confident, and loves cuddles. From an unwell hen who couldn’t be rehomed to a happy, healthy, affectionate little chicken. If I could clone any of my chickens, I would clone her.”