Cluck – the hen

Last weekend a message popped up, which made me rush to the vet clinic faster than the speed of sound. The sweetest hen, Cluck was  in trouble. A fox had been so cheeky to catch it, but thanks to a observant owner, the fox was caught in the moment of the crime and the poor hen was safe for now.

The hen was a highly valued member of the family along with its 3 comrades, so if the hen was not too seriously injured, then it should have the chance – assuming it should not undergo unnecessary suffering.

The hen was safely brought to the clinic in a large cardboard box, where we started by taking a glance at the damages.

A hen is undeniably covered with feathers. If we were to inspect the hen probably, some of the feathers had to go. A significant amount had fallen in the heat of the battle, but blood made it difficult to assess the severity of the damage.

The feathers were gently removed and the blood wiped off.

The grim jaws of the fox had been around the neck of the hen and had left several open wounds. Fortunately, they were not particularly deep into the muscles. The hen proudly kept her beak up and had great movement of the neck and head.

We assessed for now that the hen would make it.

Everyone was concerned that the great ravages of the fox had been so severe that we had to kill the hen right away.

Surgery!

Some of the wounds were so deep, they had to be closed with a few stitches. Little local anesthetic was laid and with the owner’s safe hand as loving support for the hen, the bird was sewn together in 3 places and groomed for recovery at home.

The next few days Cluck must have peace, tranquility and warmth. She must have medications that are given with a small pipette in the mouth. In the event of loss of appetite, which is naturally taken into account, she must be fed with “Powerfood” with a small syringe.

No one can predict the outcome. But for now we are cheering on Cluck and believe she is gonna make it.

 The bigger picture!

If we look at the whole situation from above:  Most of us associate chickens with the chicken fillets from the refrigerated counter. More families today, however, keep hens in the garden for the enjoyment of all. The hens live as members of the family a lovely free life with space, care and good food.

Unfortunately, such a life is not the reality of the country’s many slaughter chickens that end their lives for human consumption.

There is no doubt that the hen is not given enough credit for being a living creature with intelligence and emotion. Cluck was clearly conscious throughout the séance. Feelings like fear, pain and security are part of the hen’s reality.

When I think about the conditions which the chickens are living under , it hurts all the way into my soul.

The meeting with Cluck at the clinic gives the reflection: When we recognise the soul and consciousness of animals, we must do better for the animals all the way around!

Tuesday the 20th. February!

This afternoon, a long-awaited message came:

The announcement that Cluck is doing well!

Our hen has overcome the brutal attack of the fox!

The large open wounds that were sewn together a Saturday morning, heals!

Cluck thrives!

It’s a nice reminder: Yes, it’s good to fight for life!

Some may have thought it would have ended with another chicken filet?

I’m glad we followed our intuition and gave Cluck a chance.