Two weeks and one day into the rehabilitation process, two of the new roosters are FREE! Free of the “training” cages they live in during the day out in the yards while they get used to being around other birds whom they are not forced to fight. Free of the crates in which they sleep at night (and therefore free to sleep in the coops, perching or not as they wish).
What’s especially nice is that some of our more feral-ish chickens (including some very young birds) have decided to hang out with them also. I say “especially” because these guys have never known the company of chickens unless it was a situation filled with fear and violence. Watching them peacefully scratching in the leaves together fills me with more happiness than I can possibly express.
And more melancholy also, of course, as I know full well that for every guy we help save, there are countless others who are either living in abject misery right now, or else doomed for death, even if they are rescued, because most folks are afraid to give them a chance.
In any case, there are three still under cages, being let out a few times a day until they fight and are put back in the cages. Some roosters need a bit longer to learn that fighting isn’t a great idea any longer. But they will learn; we’ve never worked with a rooster who was unreachable.
Wish we could say that about humans…..
For the animals,
Miriam, Eastern Shore Sanctuary
Thanks — I am sure that had things not been so weird for them on the drive up, they would remember you as the one who took them away from where they were staying and brought them here.
So far, the others are still in cages, but it’s not quite three weeks, so that’s still well within the normal range. Will have updates as we have them!
And Tierney, thank YOU for taking in roosters also! So few people are willing and able to do so. Hey, we’re always looking for homes for these guys, so if you have room for more, let us know!
Miriam
Two roosters were adopted by a wonderful vegan family in New Hampshire — we took them out there, cages and crates and all, saw their great 16-acre paradise for animals, and were thrilled and amazed that they were willing to help these guys.
So, we have 5; they have 2; and one sadly died from what we can only imagine were injuries sustained in the past, because he wasn’t injured here…..
That makes eight, for those who were wondering why only 5 were living here.