14 Month Chicken Industry Investigation January 2004 - March 2005 Victoria, Australia

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Rescue Reports

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Rescue 17: Parkhurst Farm (Shed 1): 52 birds rescued
march 4, 2005

Eight rescue team members, including three trained nurses, entered shed 1 at approximately 10:00 pm. It was extremely hot inside the shed as the birds were only four days old. Upon entering the shed we could immediately see many dead and sick birds, precisely as the team the night before had witnessed and reported. The lights were on and it was very bright. It was relatively quiet inside the shed except for the chirping of the tiny birds. The loud machinery noises were absent; no fans were running during the time we spent in the shed. We left at approximately 12:30 am.

We set up a portable sick bay inside the shed to isolate any sick or crippled birds we found. Six team members proceeded to look for ill birds as well as collecting the large number of dead birds left to rot in the litter. The other team members gave water and care to the sick birds in the portable sick bay.

By 11:15 pm we had collected over 120 dead birds and 52 ill, crippled, and/or frail chicks who were unable to move properly and access the water outlets. Some of these chicks suffered wounds and were bleeding. Due to the enormity of the situation and the large numbers of birds needing assistance we rang the Werribee Police for help. This was around 11:30 pm. Sergeant Brien took the call, he was very helpful and said he'd contact the RSPCA and come to the property himself. Sergeant Brien attended with two other officers. He did an investigation of the property including Shed 1. He was distressed at the condition of the birds and photographs were taken. Sergeant Brien organised for us to take the birds to the Werribee Veterinary Clinic and allowed us to drive our vehicles onto the property to park within meters of the door to the shed. The birds were wrapped in a warm blanket and carried the three-meter distance to the heated car and taken directly to the Vet Clinic. Only 17 of the 52 birds removed are still alive. 20 of the chicks were euthanized that night at the Werribee Clinic, seven more died in the next couple days, and the Elwood vet euthanized another eight on March 8.

Click on any photo for larger version (photos: noah hannibal / ALV)

mobile treatment team member at work

these injuries could only occur due to carelessness during population procedures

this bleeding and mangled chick probably died after getting stuck in the feeder

an injured chick is examined by a rescue team member

more photos: photo gallery