Wow, this is raising so many issues! Thank you, NormandyMary & Beano, for understanding it's the principle I was objecting to on top of everything else. As I mentioned, I was unable to get onto the site from my mum's pc so was unable to ask advice here until I got home, hence asking the legal helpline. Pam (the neighbour finally has a name!) told the vet she was sure I would want what was best for the bird but said he should check with me first, so the vet left the room for a while & came back in saying they should get on with taking the blood. Understandably, Pam thought he had rung me whilst out of the room...
Jeanette, I love your spirit! They say necessity is the mother of invention and they're right. I've got the hang of general muck cleaning now, it was harder when I could only put one foot down but the leaning thing came in very handy and luckily for me the run is made of sturdy stuff so I can sit on it & lean in (ark with removable side). If only I had an OH to carry the bucket to the pile when I've finished - but I can (slowly) successfully negotiate the garden & veg patch to the compost as well now. Oh, in my case it's 7 chickens and 5 cats - but would I be without them? I think not. In fact I probably came home sooner than I should because I wanted to get back & care for them myself, albeit still with a little help from family & friends.
Must go, the girls will want me to batten down the hatches shortly.