More Than 100 Chickens, Geese, and Turkeys Surrendered from Hampden County Property
METHUEN, Mass., March 5, 2024 – The MSPCA at Nevins Farm is issuing an urgent call for farm bird adopters following a large surrender of more than 100 of the animals from a single property in Hampden County.
The MSPCA removed the birds from the property on February 21 and brought them to Nevins Farm, where they settled in and underwent testing to ensure their health.
“This is not a case of a person who mistreated their animals,” explained MSPCA-Angell Vice President of Animal Protection, Mike Keiley. “The birds were in really good condition when they came to us because, even though their previous owner was experiencing a crisis in her own life, she wanted to make sure the animals were prioritized.”
“So, when that person was no longer able to care for the animals, she reached out to us for help because she knew that we would be there to support her,” he elaborated. “The animals were not neglected or underfed, so we’re hopeful that we’re able to find them new loving homes quickly.”
A pig, a mini horse, and a donkey were also surrendered from the property. They are still being assessed medically and will be posted on the MSPCA’s website when they are ready for adoption.
Nevins: “Two Farms’ Worth of Animals on One Property”
Shortly after the surrender, Nevins Farm also took in nearly 100 more farm birds, 49 goats, and two ponies as part of a Law Enforcement investigation elsewhere in Massachusetts. No further details on that case are available at this time.
“All told, we basically took in two entire farms’ worth of animals on our single property in a span of days,” said Keiley. “Caring for them has required all hands on deck.”
The animals involved in the Law Enforcement case are not available for adoption, but dozens of chickens, turkeys, and geese from the Hampden County surrender will all be ready for new homes this week.
“We want to be there for people in the community who need to surrender as well, but it will be incredibly challenging to do so if we aren’t able to rehome some of these birds soon,” Keiley added.
Adopt a Bird!
“Generally at this time of year, people who want farm birds will seek out chicks,” expounded Keiley. “We’re hoping that those people hear our need now and will come out to adopt some of our birds instead.”
All of the 102 birds are available for adoption at Nevins Farm in Methuen. Interested adopters are asked to visit during open hours, Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 3:00 p.m.
Adopters may also submit an inquiry at mspca.org/nevinsadopt.
“Every day that these animals are at Nevins costs us roughly $150 for labor, shavings, and food,” Keiley explained. “It’s really straining our resources.”
The MSPCA asks that anyone able to donate to help offset that cost please do so at mspca.org/hampden.
