Fran & Polly: the best of hens

Laurel and Hardy, French and Saunders, Ant and Dec – the list of famous partnerships is endless, but the pair in this tale have one big difference: feathers!

On a summer’s day in July 2021 two scruffy little hens made their way timidly out of the cages they’d lived in for 18 months and emerged into the sunlight for the first time.

What they didn’t know is that they’d never return to those cages, instead swapping commercial laying for long, lazy days in the sunshine.

But Fran and Polly weren’t quite like the other hens being rehomed that day, for it soon became apparent they were in need of a little extra TLC.

Whereas the others began pottering around, scratching in the dirt for bugs and slugs, Fran was struggling with a swollen foot, while Polly was hopping around on just one leg, unable to put the other on the ground.

Being deemed special hens, Fran and Polly went off to live with the British Hen Welfare Trust’s Cheshire Co-ordinator, David Marek and his wife Sarah.

“The one thing that struck us straight away was their amazing zest for life and energy,” said David. “They weren’t quiet at all, and just got on with things by playing the hand they were dealt which was so endearing.”

Given their new arrival in the flock, Fran and Polly were kept separate from David’s other hens for a few months which allowed their special bond to flourish.

First on the agenda for Fran though was a trip to a local avian vet and the prognosis didn’t look good. However, some medication plus good old fashioned fresh air and exercise was prescribed and Fran recovered well although her foot would never be normal. It needed regular monitoring and bandaging to minimise the pressure on her middle toe which was permanently curled forwards.

Meanwhile, Polly continued hopping around on one foot as she always had done, without so much of a care in the world.

Fast forward to June 2022 and Fran’s foot developed a wound which refused to heal; another trip to the vets confirmed the infected toe needed to be amputated. Fran was out of action for a few weeks but undeterred, was soon back on her feet, albeit a little wobblier than before.

Sadly a few months later David found Fran unwilling to roost and realised a second toe had become infected, and the infection was now impacting her sight. More treatment for Fran ensued.

With no surgical options locally, David knew Fran’s zest for life could see her continuing to flourish, if he could only source the right help. And so followed multiple rather herculean 450mile round trips to Devon to see unofficial chicken expert, Marcella Perversi.

“She said she would do her best but couldn’t make any guarantees,” said Sarah. “We were fairly optimistic and wanted to let someone help her. Marcella confirmed an infection and was able to successfully amputate a second toe and prescribed antibiotics to target the specific type of infection Fran had. She progressed really well and started to put weight on that foot after a day or so.

Polly, too, was able to enjoy the care of chicken afficionado Marcella who confirmed she had an old break to one of her legs which hadn’t set properly, meaning she couldn’t put it on the floor. A hormonal implant to stop laying and divert precious calcium towards strengthening her good leg, meant Polly could be reunited with Fran to live out her free-range retirement happily.

“When the two hens were reunited after a few days apart, I swear Fran let out a shriek of happiness at seeing her best feathery friend.” David told us.

The pair continue to be inseparable, pottering together, eating together and cuddling up together at night. Six months from Fran’s second amputation her foot has healed and her eyesight has improved – though not fully restored - and she takes great joy in being close to her friend.

The resilience of these hens is nothing less than astounding and the pair are clearly determined not just to live, but to thrive and enjoy their retirements, despite their adversity.

These two really are best hens for life.