Rescue & Adoptions

2007 Featured Rescues

From Meth Lab to Sanctuary, Jade and Indigo Enjoy Second Chance at Life

Confined in cages, the birds' needs were disregarded, their health faltered, and, when they were no longer of any use to their "owners," they were left to die. The scenario sounds sadly familiar to anyone well versed in the reality of industrialized egg farming, but the circumstances that brought Jade and Indigo to Farm Sanctuary's California Shelter are quite different-yet just as despicable.

Jade and Indigo were the only survivors found at a house raided by police in northern California. Kept in cages alongside chickens bred and used for cock fighting, the pair shared the property with another clandestine operation: a meth lab.

Once the lab was shut down, the animals' situation went from bad to worse. The cock-fighting chickens were stolen, and many of those left in their cages starved. Those who persevered were eventually released from their confinement to fend for themselves-becoming easy prey for coyotes and other predators.

Out of the hundreds of chickens living on the property when it was raided, only Jade and Indigo remained. Fortunately, the pair's dreadful beginnings are now only a memory. They have found healing, love and companionship at our California Shelter, and the welcoming surroundings have allowed their personalities to blossom.

One word adequately describes Jade: firecracker. The spunky Arucana hen is outgoing and feisty and has made herself quite at home in the chicken barn. Her counterpoint is Indigo, a calm and tranquil Plymouth Barred Rock rooster whose feathers rarely get ruffled. During their times of trial, these canny survivors counted on each other. Their bond is still strong, and, no matter what the road ahead brings, they can lean on a team of doting caregivers and about 100 other chickens enjoying life at the California Shelter.

Both Indigo and Jade are in need of loving sponsors to provide for their daily care-including feed, straw bedding and ongoing veterinary care to ensure they lead a happy, healthy life. With your sponsorship support, the neglect and cruelty these animals experienced will be all but forgotten as they grow older.

Please, call 607-583-2225 ext. 225 or click here, to sponsor Jade or Indigo today through Farm Sanctuary's Adopt-A-Farm Animal Project and help to provide them the loving care every chicken deserves-and a life safe from harm, forever.