Many chicks have been left without care—how you can offer support if you’re able
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Imagine opening the back of a delivery truck and hearing a chorus of faint peeps—thousands of baby chicks, terrified, dehydrated, and fighting to survive.
Earlier this month, a heartbreaking discovery left shelter staff scrambling to respond.
Thousands of chicks were found abandoned, and while many didn’t survive, hundreds still need urgent care—and a place to call home.
The shelter staff in Delaware found, earlier this month, a shipment of 12,000 chicks abandoned inside a USPS truck. Many had tragically died, but over 2,000 survivors are now clinging to life and urgently need homes.
The chicks, shipped from Freedom Ranger Hatchery in Pennsylvania, were meant to reach customers across the US as part of a longstanding partnership between hatcheries and the United States Postal Service (USPS).
When done properly, chicks can safely survive up to 72 hours post-hatching without food or water.
But this shipment never reached its destination. Due to shipping delays and rejections at various distribution centers, the entire delivery was rerouted to Delaware—where the chicks were left in a hot, enclosed truck for over three days.
By the time the truck was opened on May 2, most of the chicks were dead. The rest—Freedom Ranger chickens along with some turkeys, quail, and geese—were rushed to First State Animal Center and SPCA, a no-kill shelter now at the heart of this crisis.
“After three and a half days in the heat, these crates were wet with dead fowl. It was a mess,” said John Parana, executive director of the shelter.
What followed was a massive emergency response: 24/7 care, volunteers working in shifts, and staff digging into their own pockets to pay for feed, bedding, and medical supplies.
Despite help from the Delaware Department of Agriculture, the shelter says funding is still uncertain—and thousands of fragile chicks are growing fast, with nowhere to go.
Also read: Out of eggs? Discover the secret to a personal supply–You can get them anytime!
Biosecurity laws prevent hatcheries from re-accepting animals that have left their facilities, due to the risk of introducing disease. That leaves the shelter with full responsibility to care for and rehome every single chick.
These chicks are growing fast—and so are their needs. Most are Freedom Rangers, a breed that matures in just 10 weeks. As they age, they require more food, space, and attention.
So far, only a few hundred birds have been adopted. That means thousands still need homes—and time is running out.
Importantly, the shelter is not adopting to meat producers. These birds are being placed as pets, companions, or egg-layers only. Requests for meat processing have been firmly denied.
Also read: Thinking of getting chickens to save on eggs? Read this first!
Backyard chickens aren’t just productive—they’re affectionate, social, and surprisingly fun. Many families and retirees say caring for chickens adds joy, purpose, and routine to daily life.
Thinking of adopting? Here’s what you’ll need:
What happened to these chicks is heartbreaking—but what happens next is up to all of us. This is a moment to come together, show compassion, and act.
Whether you open your home, donate, or simply spread the word, you can give these birds a second chance at life.
Read next: Hatch your own chicks with these surprising eggs–You won’t believe it’s possible!
Have you ever raised backyard chickens? Adopted an animal in need? We’d love to hear your stories and tips in the comments.
Earlier this month, a heartbreaking discovery left shelter staff scrambling to respond.
Thousands of chicks were found abandoned, and while many didn’t survive, hundreds still need urgent care—and a place to call home.
The shelter staff in Delaware found, earlier this month, a shipment of 12,000 chicks abandoned inside a USPS truck. Many had tragically died, but over 2,000 survivors are now clinging to life and urgently need homes.
The chicks, shipped from Freedom Ranger Hatchery in Pennsylvania, were meant to reach customers across the US as part of a longstanding partnership between hatcheries and the United States Postal Service (USPS).
When done properly, chicks can safely survive up to 72 hours post-hatching without food or water.
A seasonal rise in abandoned chicks has sparked a quiet call for help. Image Source: Zoe Richardson / Unsplash
But this shipment never reached its destination. Due to shipping delays and rejections at various distribution centers, the entire delivery was rerouted to Delaware—where the chicks were left in a hot, enclosed truck for over three days.
By the time the truck was opened on May 2, most of the chicks were dead. The rest—Freedom Ranger chickens along with some turkeys, quail, and geese—were rushed to First State Animal Center and SPCA, a no-kill shelter now at the heart of this crisis.
“After three and a half days in the heat, these crates were wet with dead fowl. It was a mess,” said John Parana, executive director of the shelter.
What followed was a massive emergency response: 24/7 care, volunteers working in shifts, and staff digging into their own pockets to pay for feed, bedding, and medical supplies.
Despite help from the Delaware Department of Agriculture, the shelter says funding is still uncertain—and thousands of fragile chicks are growing fast, with nowhere to go.
Also read: Out of eggs? Discover the secret to a personal supply–You can get them anytime!
Biosecurity laws prevent hatcheries from re-accepting animals that have left their facilities, due to the risk of introducing disease. That leaves the shelter with full responsibility to care for and rehome every single chick.
These chicks are growing fast—and so are their needs. Most are Freedom Rangers, a breed that matures in just 10 weeks. As they age, they require more food, space, and attention.
So far, only a few hundred birds have been adopted. That means thousands still need homes—and time is running out.
Importantly, the shelter is not adopting to meat producers. These birds are being placed as pets, companions, or egg-layers only. Requests for meat processing have been firmly denied.
Also read: Thinking of getting chickens to save on eggs? Read this first!
Backyard chickens aren’t just productive—they’re affectionate, social, and surprisingly fun. Many families and retirees say caring for chickens adds joy, purpose, and routine to daily life.
Thinking of adopting? Here’s what you’ll need:
- Space: 2–3 square feet per bird in a coop; 8–10 square feet in an outdoor run.
- Shelter: A secure, ventilated coop to protect from predators and weather.
- Food & Water: Chick starter feed and constant clean water.
- Companionship: Chickens are flock animals—never adopt just one.
What happened to these chicks is heartbreaking—but what happens next is up to all of us. This is a moment to come together, show compassion, and act.
Whether you open your home, donate, or simply spread the word, you can give these birds a second chance at life.
Read next: Hatch your own chicks with these surprising eggs–You won’t believe it’s possible!
