The survivor: The story of a rescue hen

Being born is a bit of a hazy memory. I just seemed to wake up one day, and there I was. After a look around and a nudge from what must have been my mum, I got up and began looking for food. 

Life was happy and comfortable and I managed to keep out of everyone’s way and grow up to be a producer myself. Days drifted by.

It was the calm before the storm. 

We were attacked by a cruel predator. He was merciless in his destruction and one by one all of my family was pulled down and bitten horribly. I was badly bitten myself and would surely have been dead had not help arrived in response to our hysterical screaming. 

I simply must have fainted because I awoke to a hand grasping my feet. I began to squawk as loudly as I could, terrified. I was pulled from my hiding place, but I could not muster any strength to resist.

I was laid on a bed of clean straw. My neck was cut and bleeding, parts of my neck and parts of my back had been torn out, my head hung lifeless, and I was unable to stand. I just lay on the warm straw and drifted in and out of consciousness.   

I had a small drink of water and later I was offered some food. I ate a little. The routine continued for a week or so, and I was able to walk by myself but for some inexplicable reason I could not straighten my legs and could only go backwards. This made my saviour laugh at me and tell me she would continue to help me even if I never walked properly. One day I stood up and walked normally. 

I could hold my head up. I was strong enough to feed myself. 

Life went on and days drifted together. It was all back to normal – or so I thought.

My will to survive had triumphed and that along with the kindness of strangers had pulled me through the worst experience of my young life.

Ever since the predator incident I had stopped laying and everyone, including me, thought my egg laying days were over. But life never fails to surprise, and now I have a new home and yes, I am laying daily. Everyone is pleased with me. 

Life on the farm is great; there is never a dull moment. 

Do you have your own chickens? Have you ever had a rescue hen?