On Valentine's Day, a broiler chicken was found at a Chestertown tavern, The Blue Bird, which turned out to be the perfect haven for a chicken having a bad day.
According to a news release from the Humane Society of Kent County, it was assumed the chicken had fallen off of a truck during transport; her body was covered in road rash. She was as cold as ice and gasping for air when she was found because she had been outside the night before in the freezing temperatures.
Her rescuer picked her up from the parking lot and brought her inside the bar before calling for help.
Maddy Eckel, an animal control officer, responded immediately to find the chicken barely alive. Eckel rushed her to the shelter.
With the chicken's head hanging lifelessly, Eckel quickly wrapped her in towels and placed a heater near her body. Eckel spent hours checking on her and blow-drying beneath her wings before the chicken began opening her eyes and lifting her head.
Eckel knew the chicken desperately needed fluids, even though she was too weak to drink. She took the chicken home overnight and hoped that with a little time and rest, her condition would improve. Then, Eckel gave the chicken the only name that made sense — Blue Bird.
Blue Bird spent the night near a wood stove, cuddled up with Eckel’s pit bull for warmth and comfort. The chicken started to stand, then began to eat and drink.
Things were looking up. However, Blue Bird had sustained major injuries that would require surgery and was still not out of the woods.
Blue Bird was brought to the veterinarian the next day. She had a broken wing, and the vet stitched her up. She was placed on antibiotics and given a good prognosis.
Now, Blue Bird is in a foster-to-adopt situation with the officer who tended to her injuries. She is improving every day.
She has spent time in the shelter “supervising” over animal control matters and making friends with a cat. She’s often found snuggling with her older “sister,” a 1-year-old broiler chicken who was also rescued by the humane society.
(My Eastern Shore - Feb 24, 2015)
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