When Peri was only a few days old, her family adopted her; six months later, she unexpectedly developed a serious eye infection. The chicken’s family cared for her for months with daily treatments and even took her to numerous doctors, but sadly they discovered that blindness was unavoidable. Her family quickly got to work making sure that Peri’s blindness didn’t restrict her from being able to achieve whatever she wanted because they were determined to assist her as best they could.
Christa Hubbard, Peri’s mom, told The Dodo that the family had created several accommodations for her since she was losing her sight, including placing bowls on a throw rug that produces noise, very low roosting bars, an ottoman in the living room so that Peri could “watch” TV with them at night, and an extra large ottoman in their bedroom, next to their bed, for Peri’s bed. We got a chicken “nanny” to watch over her while we were away.
Peri has developed into the sweetest, cuddliest chicken around and adores receiving the assistance she needs from her family because she required so much care when she was at a very early age. When she first went blind, Taj, her pit bull brother, recognized the change right away and took over as her primary guardian. He began guiding her when he was 3 years old, according to Hubbard. “A hen with a seeing eye dog. The ensuing eight years were spent by these two together. He would lead and watch over her. Together, they napped and sunbathed. Taj lost his battle with cancer in July 2018 and passed away. Without her friend, Peri felt lost even though she knew he was gone.
Her family was concerned about how Peri would manage life without Taj because he had played such a significant role in her life. They chose to adopt two pitbull puppies even though their hearts were still mending. They were welcomed into the family, and Peri instantly brightened up again, delighted to have new pals. Peri developed a strong bond with her sister Gracie as the puppies grew older, and the two are now just as close as Peri and Taj once were, with one charming bonus.
Since Peri is blind, Gracie frequently brings her favorite toys to her because she appears concerned that she won’t be able to find them on her own. It seems like she believes Peri will find comfort and support in the toys as she navigates life, and Peri is incredibly appreciative of her best friend for all of her thoughtfulness. Hubbard stated, “Gracie will get Peri a toy, put it next to her, and wait.” Gracie waits outside the fence when Peri is in the garden doing chicken things (Peri has a fenced-in area as they have a pool). Gracie offers Peri a toy while she is “watching” TV on her ottoman. Gracie visits her sleeping pal as soon as we get out of bed in the morning.
Taj meant so much to Peri, and now her new pal Gracie values her equally. The two sisters are constantly together, and Gracie appears to have made it her life’s work to make sure Peri is secure, pleased, and never without a toy. Hubbard stated, “I think this is simply the continuation of where Taj left off.” “Two kind souls have come together.”