Animal rescuers in Oklahoma are helping an overweight chicken who can’t stand anymore by giving her a customer wheelchair.
The Oliver and Friends Farm Rescue and Sanctuary also took in Milo, a puppy born with upside down paws. After a successful surgery, his story was shared around the world.
“We saved a puppy, and we were heroes,” said Jennie Hays, the rescue’s director. “We save a chicken and people think that maybe we’re nuts. But that’s OK.”
Hays and her team are now determined to save “Colorado,” a Cornish hen that was rescued from a defunct factory farm.
“There were, I think, 13,000 chickens that needed to find a place to go,” she said.
With the help of Luvin Arms, another Colorado animal sanctuary, the rescue took in 25 very sick chickens.
Although it may be hard to believe by their appearance, Colorado and her chicken friends are only a few months old.
“It’s all about production, so the faster they grow and the bigger they grow, that makes more money,” Hays said.
Hays said she considered euthanasia since Colorado’s legs could no longer support her. But her husband got on Google, saw a chicken in a wheelchair and started building.
“So, ever since she got the wheelchair, her sparkle’s back,” Hays said.
The rescue is now focused on keeping all the chickens at a healthy weight through exercise and diet.
“We honestly believe here at Oliver and Friends that every animal deserves the chance to live their best life as pain-free as possible,” Hays said.