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04/04/2025
My experience in rescuing 100 cage chickens..(Australia)
The Unexpected Joys of Raising Chickens: A Story of Resilience and Reward
When people think of raising chickens, they often imagine endless health concerns, messy coops, and unpredictable challenges. While these struggles are real, they are only part of the story. My own journey with chickens began unexpectedly—and disastrously—but it ultimately became one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
# # # A Surprise Turned Learning Opportunity
It all started when my generous in-laws surprised me with a massive enclosure for my pet macaw. The structure was enormous—far too tall for a single bird—but I was deeply touched by their kindness. As I stood there, wondering what to do with such a large space, inspiration struck: *Why not rescue chickens?*
Without hesitation, my family and I decided to jump in headfirst. We contacted a company and ordered 100 chickens. The delivery was rushed—arriving on just three hours’ notice—and since I was away, the birds were placed in their new home without me there to supervise. The next morning, I rushed outside, eager to see them, only to be met with devastation. Over 20 chickens had been killed—not by predators, but by their own flockmates. The shock was overwhelming, but the problems didn’t end there.
Instead of 100 chickens, we had been sent over 140—all in terrible condition. Many were severely underweight, with patchy feathers and signs of neglect. What was meant to be a heartwarming rescue quickly turned into a nightmare. Over the next four months, we poured time, effort, and $7,000 into nursing these birds back to health.
# # # The Turning Point
At first, the rewards seemed nonexistent. Out of over 100 chickens, we collected a mere three eggs. It felt like an impossible battle. But slowly, with proper care, nutrition, and a safe environment, the flock began to thrive. Months later, we were gathering at least 80 eggs a day—a testament to their recovery.
More importantly, the experience taught me invaluable lessons:
1. Resilience in Adversity – Challenges will arise, but persistence can turn disaster into triumph.
2. Compassion and Responsibility – Caring for neglected animals is difficult but deeply fulfilling.
3. Teaching Through Experience – My children learned firsthand how to transform a negative situation into something positive.
# # # Why the Struggles Are Worth It
Despite the initial hardships, raising chickens has brought immense joy to my family. The satisfaction of watching once-suffering birds flourish is indescribable. Now, I make it a mission to rescue 40-50 chickens every year, not just for the eggs, but for the profound impact it has on our lives.
Yes, chicken-keeping can be messy, unpredictable, and even heartbreaking at times. But the positives—lessons in perseverance, the bond with animals, and the daily rewards of fresh eggs—far outweigh the challenges.
If you’re considering raising chickens, know this: It won’t always be easy, but if you do your best, it will *always* be worth it.
