Polly arrived with our second round of rescue hens. Severe respiratory problems and anxiety have meant that much of her rehabilitation happens close to us, inside the house.
She isn’t a cuddler. She does like being part of the company. In the evenings, she settles on the back of the couch while we eat and watch television. During the day, she makes it very clear when she wants to be outside.
Care through the difficult days
During one frightening episode, Polly spent about two days on oxygen before our vet, Pat, placed an emergency air sac cannula. We thought we might lose her.
After repeated trips to the vet for oxygen therapy, we bought an oxygen concentrator and built a brooder to support her at home. By September 2026, Polly had used it for 384 hours—the equivalent of 16 full days.
Her care continues to change with her needs. At the time of writing, we are also working with our vets to manage crop stasis, a problem with food moving through her crop.
Still asking for grass time
Polly barely has a voice, but that doesn’t stop her using it. If she’s been indoors all day, around 3 pm she can get wonderfully bossy about going outside to be with her flock.
Those ordinary moments matter to us: company on the couch, time in the grass, and a hen with preferences of her own. They are part of the life her ongoing care supports.
Polly’s story and oxygen-hours figure reflect the update shared in September 2026.