I’ve written lots about the lifecycle of chickens, from happy hatch days to their sad endings complete with funerals and eulogies. For some folks, birds are livestock, food or a side hustle to make a bit of money. For others, they are part of the family and integrated into baby showers, holiday parties, weddings and just hanging out on the family couch watching their favourite television shows.
This post is about three ‘Gotcha Days’ – stories and celebrations of chicken adoptions.
That was it. Decision made.
On the drive home, Henrietta claimed the back seat like she’d been paying the car insurance for years. She just sat there in the most unhinged, human-like position possible – chest out, legs stretched forward, looking out the window like she was contemplating her life choices after a long shift.
Not the loudest bird.
Not the flashiest chicken.
But somehow the one who chose us first.
And honestly? I think she knew exactly what she was doing. – Unknown
A friend of mine sent me a pic of a little hen that she’d seen at the side of the road in a village about five miles from here. She sat for a good hour defrosting peas in her mouth and throwing them for the hen. She hoped that she’d see where she’d go to roost. Unfortunately this little girl had a different plan and disappeared within seconds without a trace.
After work I headed out with the thermal camera and some strong flashlights for a good look in the trees but with the torrential rain now pouring down, it was soon apparent that we weren’t going to find her.
Today I headed over on my lunch break to see if I could get a sighting of her and took a crate trap on the off chance. It was only a five minute drive. A couple stopped and said they saw her all the time and she’d been out by herself for weeks, possibly months.
I had a good look around calling her and shaking the feed bucket but she was nowhere to be seen. I’d just got back to the car and there she was, sitting in the woods clear as day! I quickly set the trap behind my car and then stated throwing the odd bit of sweetcorn in her direction. She immediately perked up and as soon as she found a piece she was hooked!
I made a little trail of sweetcorn all the way to a big pile in the trap. Within minutes she was circling the trap but couldn’t work out how to get in. Finally in she went. The whole thing took 45 minutes. Got to love a chicken who knows you’re on a schedule. Other than being starving she’s a lovely little hen in good condition. – FPC Poultry Rescue UK
Officers in Boulder, Colorado responded to complaints about an “excessively loud party with live music and dozens of people” in a residential neighbourhood, expecting to shut down an out-of-control gathering but instead discovering Michael Patterson was hosting a fully catered 5th birthday party for his rescue chicken, Lady Clucksworth, complete with a live band and sixty costumed guests.
The backyard celebration featured a stage with a three-piece acoustic band, catered appetizers, a custom chicken-sized birthday cake made from seeds and mealworms, and guests wearing formal attire – many in chicken-themed accessories. Lady Clucksworth wore a tiny party hat and presided over the event from a decorated perch.
Officer Jennifer Martinez arrived expecting drunk college students but found a surprisingly sophisticated gathering of adults celebrating a chicken. “Everyone was over 30,” Martinez reported. “They had champagne, fancy cheese plates, and a DJ taking requests. The chicken had her own spotlight. It was the most organized party I’ve ever been called to shut down.”
Patterson explained that Lady Clucksworth had been rescued from a factory farm and the annual birthday party was a fundraiser for farm animal sanctuaries, having raised $12,000 this year. All permits were in order, but the band had exceeded noise ordinance levels.
“I’ve broken up house parties, raves, and wedding receptions,” Martinez said. “This is my first chicken quinceañera – I mean, birthday party. The chicken seemed to genuinely enjoy it.” Patterson was issued a warning for noise levels but allowed to continue with reduced volume. Lady Clucksworth received toys and a new heated perch as gifts.
Boulder Police Department posted: “Noise complaint resolved. Party for chicken. 60 guests attended. Best-behaved party we’ve ever supervised. Chicken received more birthday gifts than most humans. Lady Clucksworth: living her best life.”
Credits: Boulder Police Department, Daily Camera, Officer Martinez statement, Michael Patterson interview
Thanks to everyone who shared their stories and photos.
“Tales of survival, sass, and second chances.”
Bitchin' Chickens 
0 comments on “My Chicken Story: Adoptions”