A turkey in a wheelchair isn’t something you expect to see at a farm, but the Odd Man Inn Animal Rescue in Washougal, Washington isn’t your average farm.
The Odd Man Inn has become a sanctuary for abused, neglected and unwanted farm animals to find a safe haven and a forever home.
Bill is a 60 pound turkey with a bum foot, which was difficult for him, given that turkeys spend most of their days on their feet.
The Odd Man Inn works closely with the Exotic Vet team at Washington State University to make sure he gets the best care possible. Along with his bad foot, Bill’s vet told him he needed to lose some weight. His caretakers knew it was time to get creative, taking a full support, four wheel Walkin’ Wheels wheelchair (designed for a dog) and converted it into a turkey wheelchair.
Building Bill the turkey’s new wheelchair took a bit of ingenuity. The farm has worked with handicapped animals in the past so an animal in a wheelchair wasn’t new, but a turkey wheelchair was definitely a first.
Devising a sling system to attach to the existing Walkin’ Wheels frame, they were able to support Bill from underneath, allowing him to get the exercise he needs without his body weight dragging him down. Bill uses his wheelchair several times a day and his caregivers say he’s building enough strength that he’s even be able to get around on his own a bit.
In the process, Bill has even become somewhat of a celebrity, even being featured in People.com.
You can follow Bill and the other incredible animals who call the Odd Man Inn home @oddmaninn
Source: https://www.handicappedpets.com/blog/turkey-wheelchair/
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