Therapy chicken brings smiles before taking flight

During a recent visit to West Vue Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 11-year-old Ellie Wheeler of West Plains, left, holds her Polish-silkie cross chicken, Kirby, alongside family friend Sue Wiggins. The “polkie” bird earned the nickname “tornado chick” after Ellie’s aunt, Brandi Richardson of Rolla, hatched Kirby using a propane heater to keep warm during a tornado on March 14, 2025, in Rolla. Following a showmanship win at the Heart of the Ozarks Fair in early June, Kirby reportedly caught the eye of the nursing home’s activities director and was enlisted as an “official therapy chicken.” Ellie enjoyed walking the young hen on a leash in a custom harness made by her mother. Sadly, the family reports the resilient bird went missing in late June, shortly after this visit. Ellie is the daughter of Mandi and Drew Wheeler.