Cora the hen arrived at the farm featherless, emaciated and debeaked. Destined to become a family's dinner, she had been purchased for a few dollars from a live market in New York City and taken home in a plastic bag with a rubber band binding her feet. There was a change of plans when a younger brother in the family couldn't bear to see Cora become a casserole. He grabbed the bag and took her away to safety -- then called around until he successfully found a woman who would bring Cora to our sanctuary.

When Cora arrived it was cold outside, so it wasn't the best time to put a naked tiny chicken out with the healthily feathered flocks. Cora remained in the house for several weeks, slowly becoming the sweetest, most spoiled chicken on the farm. She learned to jump for grapes in the kitchen (watch a video), and even how to walk up the stairs to the main office where laps and naps awaited her. When it was time for Cora to be put out with the other chickens, we were afraid she might get picked on because she's so severely debeaked. Instead, Cora was able to fend off any impolite behavior with a little jump and kick -- all that jumping for grapes must have helped.

Today Cora has a full feathery coat and looks healthier than ever, even with most of her beak missing she eats very well and still loves grapes and special attention.