The Village Chickens
Tui & Pox
Tui (left) and Pox have been a part of the Howick Historical Village family for a few years! They are a popular attraction and love people. They love hanging around picnic tables, and being personal tour guides, often seen following visitors around the Village.
Ruby & Black Fern
We are pleased to introduce two of our newest staff members: Ruby (left) and Black Fern! Hatched by their mum Tui (who survived a very serious dog attack last year), and cheered on by their curious, but decidedly not maternal, Aunt Pox, Ruby and Black Fern are also Orpingtons, one of the heritage breeds brought over by the Fencibles between 1847-1852.
The Tale of Two Chooks
Ruby would not be here were it not for Sam Hurley and Jemma McLean of Avian Empire in Waiuku. In her first week after hatching, we noticed that Ruby had trouble breathing, as well as with walking and her balance. We took her to the awesome team at Pakuranga Vet Clinic & Cattery, where she was under the expert care of Sasha Nowell, practice owner. Sasha recommended we connect with Avian Empire, as Ruby just wasn’t healing despite our best efforts.
Avian Empire stepped up to the challenge and with incredible patience, nursed her through what turned out to be Spondylitis AND Marek’s Disease. Hand fed, given hydrotherapy for her legs, and monitored around the clock, Ruby got worse and then…amazingly…got better. And incredibly, they did all this pro bono, for which we are eternally grateful. Black Fern, meanwhile, spent her early life in our General Manager’s office, staying warm, getting her full feathers in, and helping…as all good furry and feathered friends do.
About 10 weeks after Ruby first went to Waiuku, she came back and re-joined her sister and the rest of the flock. Ruby (known by Avian Empire as #Chickle) is feisty and funny, curious and unafraid, and is BFFs with Black Fern, as we had hoped.
We are indebted to Avian Empire for their help, kindness, and compassion for our littlest colleague. If you have fowl friends in your life, be sure to connect with Avian Empire through their telemedicine service or Facebook page. They are for the birds!