Now on the Road to Recovery, Margaret Prepares for Life in a Foster Home — with Her Friend “Betty”
BOSTON and Methuen, Mass. Feb. 22, 2019 – A three-year-old New Hampshire Red hen named “Margaret” is safe and sound at the MSPCA at Nevins Farm after suffering a broken leg prior to being surrendered on Feb. 7, by way of the MSPCA’s Law Enforcement team, because her previous owner could not care for her.
Also surrendered from the same home was another hen named “Betty,” who has been living side by side with Margaret since they both arrived at the farm.
Margaret—whose beautiful red, cream and beige feathers make her among the most striking of the 33 birds awaiting adoption at Nevins Farm—was limping heavily upon arrival and, according to Ellie Monteith, manager of the equine and farm animal program, appeared very down in the mouth.
“She just lacked spark and was listless, but the worst part is that we could tell she was in pain and probably had been for some time—so we got her straight to the specialists at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston to find out exactly what was wrong, and how we could help her.”
X-Rays Confirm Leg Fracture
Radiographs performed by Angell’s Avian and Exotics service on Feb. 11 confirmed that the fracture likely happened a week or so prior to Margaret’s surrender, and had already begun to heal.
Margaret was discharged that same day with antibiotics and pain medicine to aid in her recovery.
Now, nearly two weeks on, Margaret is much improved. “She’s definitely showing a lot more spirit and she’s starting to bear weight on her broken leg, which we’re so happy about because it means that she’s continuing to heal,” said Monteith.
Margaret has also tested negative for avian flu and pullorum-thyphoid salmonella, two communicable diseases that adoptable farm birds must be tested for before they can be placed for adoption.
“Now we can think about transitioning her to foster care as the next step toward placing her in a permanent home,” said Monteith.
Margaret and Her Bestie’s Brighter Future
Aside from attention lavished by staff and volunteers, Margaret’s primary solace during her recuperation has been her friend, “Betty,” a four-year-old Barred Rock hen. The two birds are inseparable and enjoy eating and exploring together and even roosting side by side.
“The two of them just get on so well that we knew we would keep them together. We’re in final discussions with a possible foster caretaker and she is willing to take them both in, so we could not be happier,” said Monteith.
Ashton’s Hope Fund to the Rescue
Between x-rays and follow-on treatment, Margaret’s medical bills have approached $1,000. Her bills are paid for through Ashton’s Hope fund, which provides medical care for horses and farm animals at Nevins Farm before they can be adopted. Anyone who wishes to contribute to the fund can click here.
Adoption inquires can be directed to farmadoptions@mspca.org.
