Meet the Crazy Coop! July 12 & 19 at the Willow Falls Market in Lehi from 9-12.
Mae West - Americana
Born to Be Wild
If you ask Pops, he'll say it's my fault we have so many chicks. But in reality, he's the one with connections!
Mae West is one of three Americana chicks we got from a local hatchery, and these girls came to us beautiful, healthy, and as advertised! Even at a day old, Mae was happy and wild, didn't know the meaning of the word "shy", and was ready to rule the roost with her stunning eyeliner. Cute, curious and unafraid to use her little voice, from the start Mae was destined to be a wonderful addition to our backyard flock.
Accidents Happen
But as with all creatures determined to live wild and free, an accident is eventually going to happen. A week or so after moving outside to the coop, Mae and her twin, Tiffany, were teasing Kris (-stoff or -tina still undetermined) because they're fast and agile while the Light Brahma is quite large and lumbering, as well as a bit grumpy. I was waiting for them to burn the last of the day's energy off before urging them into the coop, chicks flapping and running in all directions, when there was a loud "Squeak!" from the branches. I turned to find little miss Mae favoring one leg. I watched for a bit to try to discover if anything were seriously wrong. Fun fact: chickens are prey animals and are naturally skilled at disguising injuries or illness. I watched her closely for several minutes, noticed her limping, then caught her to inspect her chicken leg. I round a small slice in her foot that didn't appear to be deep enough to bleed but was obviously causing some level of pain. It was bedtime, so I gently placed her up in the roost to let her rest overnight. Sleep can cure numerous ailments, and I hoped it would be enough!
A Bright Future
The next morning I went out for the usual chicken chores and she'd made it out of the coop with the others, so I wasn't overly concerned. I watched for a bit, and she still favored her leg, but otherwise seemed alright. A few hours later, while finishing up breakfast, I was inspired by another chicken health formula and Mae's Hurt Help was born!
I mixed up a batch, took it out and caught her, then gently applied it to not only the slice, but up onto her little ankle as well, just in case there was inflammation from a twisted joint.
Miraculously, less than an hour later she was running around like her normal, vibrant self. I applied the essential oil blend once more that evening, just in case, and she's been tormenting the larger, slower chicks and twin ever since.
If we could learn anything from Mae, it would be to stay bright and hopeful, even if you take a misstep on occasion. ;)