FLOCK
STARS
THE CORNISH CREW
Cornish Crosses are chickens bred to used as food and not eggs. If they look familiar, it's probably because you have seen photos of them in large groups, typical of an industrial agricultural setting. Our Cornish Crew consists of Lucky, Lexi, and Layla who are five years old, Libby is the eldest at six, and Lennox is the youngster at three.
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At six weeks old, Lucky fell off a transport truck bound for slaughter. He arrived to FCFS in rough shape and suffering from multiple aliments. Lennox fell off a transport truck as well. Lexi and Layla came to us from a bankrupt factory farm and Libby was released from an animal lab testing.
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Despite what they endured before coming to FCFS, this group is incredibly affectionate and curious. The Cornish Crew are infamous for perching on us and will even enjoy a ride on our shoulders. They will also take naps in our laps and enthusiastically follow us around the aviary.
Due to breeding practices making Cornish Crosses grow at such an accelerated rate with and with an insatiable hunger, they are highly susceptible to health issues that can lead to early death as well as weight related aliments that can affect their mobility. Our Cornish Crew requires increased daily monitoring and constant evaluation of their weight and diet. Being able to spend time with loving flock of survivors is always a gift that we treasure.
CLOVE
7 YEARS OLD
Clove is a blueberry enthusiast! All the members of the FCFS flock would undoubtedly rate blueberries as their favorite produce option. However, Clove takes it a step further. Lovingly crowned the "snack monster" of her aviary, Clove is always on alert for a tasty treat. In fact, when her favorite treat is near she turns into "Air Clove", excitedly jumping for her beloved blueberries. Though Clove is an elder hen, her vertical leap is that of all star athlete.
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Clove is very friendly with her care team, curious with visitors, and an active member of her aviary. Clove and all the FCFS residents are monitored for age related issues. Just like with humans, dogs, or cats, as the residents age, they can experience arthritis and joint issues, loss of vision, and mobility issues.
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Clove is an example of the chickens used for egg laying. Through selective breeding over generations, egg laying hens have been modified to produce far more eggs than the would if left in their natural state. The original ancestors of modern hens laid up to 25 eggs per year. In the 1920's hens laid 150 eggs, today hens lay an average of 300 eggs per year. As you can imagine egg production is taxing on the hens body and reproductive system. Due to the strain on their bodies and reproductive system, it is very common for hens to experience health problems. Some of which can lead to premature death.
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Since time is especially precious with chickens. We are grateful for every day we have with Clove and all her fellow flock stars. We celebrate every year of their life and when the FCFS chickens make it to their teen years we smile even bigger knowing that they have lived a long life in safety.
THE ROO CREW
3 YEARS OLD
The Roo Crew consists of seven bachelor roosters. All of whom where discarded and left to fend for themselves. In the fall of 2021 a staff member was driving past the neighboring state park and witnessed the boys being dumped. It took multiple members of the Care Team, several attempts, and many hours to get all the roos to the safety of the sanctuary.
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When people buy chicks, they tend to want them for eggs. Since roosters can't produce eggs and they crow, making it a potential noise complaint from neighbors, roosters are often seen as less desirable. For the animal agriculture industry in the business of selling eggs, rooster are considered unprofitable and useless.
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Eggs have a 50/50 chance of being female or male. If you look at the animal agriculture industry alone and think about all the eggs that are produced by female chickens, there was an equal amount of male chicks who were hatched and immediately discarded.
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We are grateful to care for the members of the Roo Crew. Nico, Pom, Bakugo, Rufio, Usain, Kylo Ren, and Bolin have their own bachelor pad. Without a hen to compete for, the roos coexist peacefully. Unlike Kylo's namesake, he chooses to use the good side of the force. However, In the event of interpersonal conflict, it is Bolin who steps in to restore the peace. Usain's namesake is non other than legendary sprinter Usain Bolt. Why you ask? Because, he sprinted away from the rescue effort! The Care Team had to return several times before they could convince Usain to leave the state park and join his friends. We think he's happy with his decision.