Meet the four foot chook
The wildlife carer of a rare four-legged chicken born in the Tablelands says it is a conjoined twin and she is hopeful it will undergo surgery so it can survive.
Olive Needham took the chicken, April, into her care on Tuesday after it was being pecked by other birds on a poultry farm.
“She said it was assessed by a vet on Wednesday afternoon who recommended surgery in the coming weeks.
“It is a type where the embryo splits only partially then failed to develop further, leaving a third ‘leg’ made of two feet fused together, probably attached to the end of her spine,” Ms Needham said.
“In April’s case, because this ‘leg’ has grown at pace with the rest of the chicken, the extra appendage is quite large and when she defecates the substance coats her ‘leg’ and undercarriage.
“Due to the lack of hygiene and potential complications (sores, infection, fly eggs etc), surgery to remove a large section is recommended.”
Ms Needham said April’s outlook was “cautious but optimistic”.
“The operation will give her the best chance to lead a normal, happy, ‘chickeny’ life for as long as possible,” she said.
A GoFundMe has been created for the chicken with surgery expected into two weeks.
Ms Needham said the support for April had been overwhelming.
“So many people have commented and reached out and she’s such a sweet and personable animal,” she said. “We haven’t had her very long but at night you can hear her gently trilling contentedly from her crate in the corner.
“As a hen born on a chicken farm, without her condition she would have had a very different life.”
Ms Needham added: “I really hope that after all of this April will get to live a long and healthy life, I can promise that she will be cared for and loved for the rest of her time with us.”