Organization’s Law Enforcement Dept. and the Middleboro Animal Control Officer Assist with the Rescue
BOSTON, July 30, 2020 – The MSPCA at Nevins Farm is now the temporary home for 30 chickens rescued from unsanitary conditions at a Middleboro, Mass. home by the MSPCA-Angell’s Law Enforcement department and the Middleboro Animal Control Officer, the organization announced today.
The chickens were voluntarily surrendered on July 27th from the home, in which they were living primarily in pet carriers without access to fresh water and food, and with no relief from the searing heat.
The chickens were voluntarily surrendered by their owner—who has not been identified—and at this point no charges have been filed.
The chickens’ condition reflect their neglect. One has overgrown spurs and others are suffering from a bacterial infection known as “bumble foot,” as well as lice—ailments for which they’re receiving treatment at Nevins Farm.
“These are some of the most unsanitary conditions we’ve seen chickens living in, with no food or fresh water, filthy cages and no relief from the heat,” said Mike Keiley, director of adoption centers and programs at the MSPCA-Angell. “But they’ve bounced back quickly in our care, and are already enjoying clean housing, fresh water and food.”
Keiley says all of the birds are adults, 14 of them are roosters, and the rest are hens. They are a mix of bantam-sized Cochins and D’Uccles—breeds that are very desirable among chicken keepers.
While they were very dirty upon intake—unusual for chickens, which are known to be fastidious groomers—they seem to have escaped their conditions relatively unscathed. “In those cramped and dirty conditions, they were unable to fully extend their limbs, which prevented them from cleaning their wings,” added Keiley.
Adopters Wanted!
“They’re currently undergoing mandatory state testing to ensure they’re negative for common poultry diseases, as well as receiving treatment for their ailments, and once they’re in the clear we will place them for adoption,” said Keiley.
Keiley noted that roosters, famous for their early morning wake-up calls, can be especially difficult to adopt into new homes. “But if there was ever a time for adopters with a backyard flock to add a rooster—especially for the protection of the hens in their flock—now would be that time, and we very much hope that adopters will reach out and take home one or some of these beautiful birds.”
Potential adopters can email methuen@mspca.org for more information about the birds, or to set up an appointment to meet them.
The chickens are just some of the more than 100,000 animals whose medical and sheltering needs are met each year by the MSPCA-Angell. Readers who would like to offset the cost of their care—and the care of animals just like them—can click here.
Out of the Shelter and Into the Community
Even as the Nevins Farm team settles the chickens in, and readies them for adoption, the MSPCA continues to work in the community to ensure pet owners impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic receive the help they need. Since the pandemic began, the MSPCA has delivered nearly 450,000 pet meals and over 29,000 lbs. of cat litter to food pantries, in addition to providing subsidized medical care to nearly 1,300 pets.
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