Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/rescued-baby-chickens-see-grass-first-time/

Woodstock Farm Sanctuary in High Falls, New York, is a safe haven and permanent home for rescued farm animals. The sanctuary’s mission is to give, “farmed animals the chance to live their lives with dignity and by sharing their stories, we advocate for veganism and aim to reduce suffering for all.”

The sanctuary rescued twelve baby chickens in September who were “raised to be slaughtered” in just a few weeks. They needed medical treatment and were kept in quarantine until they were healthy enough to explore their new home.

“Cornish babies can be so fragile, especially when coming from somewhere traumatic, so we’re continuing to monitor around the clock,” stated the sanctuary. A caregiver named Rosie kept a close eye on the flock who took comfort in each other’s company.

“They love to snuggle up and tuck their heads under each other’s wings,” wrote the sanctuary.

“They spent several weeks in quarantine here getting treated by our care team for parasites and foot issues, ensuring they were on their way to good health. This week, these babies are finally strong enough (and it was warm enough outside) for them to forage freely in their own yard,” shared the sanctuary on Facebook.

They showed photos and video of the chickens exploring their yard and said, “Imagine never having seen grass before, never feeling earth under your feet until this moment! Understandably, they were a little scared at first. But slowly, one-by-one, Marino, Tristan, Lagusta, Quinn, Connie, Mini, Ellie, Gabby, Meira, Kim, Maresa, and Ted realized they had nothing to fear here, and they stepped outside for the first time. It was one of those really special #sanctuarymoments.”

Some of the chickens were afraid to leave the carriers and were gently coaxed out into their new yard. They were unsure of their new surroundings and had to learn how to walk on the soft ground. The staff shared that they “quickly figured out things like…sunbathing”.

@woodstocksanctuary The moment these baby chickens saw grass for what is likely the first time in their lives. ❤️ These 12 baby birds were raised to be slaughtered at just a few weeks before we rescued them. They spent several weeks in quarantine here getting treated by our care team for parasites and foot issues, ensuring they were on their way to good health. This week, these babies are finally strong enough (and it was warm enough outside) for them to forage freely in their own yard! Imagine never having seen grass before, never feeling earth under your feet until this moment! Understandably, they were a little scared at first. But slowly, one-by-one, Marino, Tristan, Lagusta, Quinn, Connie, Mini, Ellie, Gabby, Meira, Kim, Maresa, and Ted realized they had nothing to fear here, and they stepped outside for the first time. It was one of those really special #sanctuarymoments.
– One member of this flock, Ellie, is having a harder time than the rest. We had a vet conduct x-rays and found an inflamed intestine. We sent out a fecal and are waiting to hear back, but until then she appears in good spirits. We will keep you updated on her progress. Her bill is around $200. Will you help us cover Ellie’s vet bill? Please donate on our website or via Venmo at Woodstock-Sanctuary. #whywoodstock ♬ Metamorphosis – Danilo Stankovic

They still have a lot to learn, and their caretakers cannot wait to see them “dig some little pits and roll around”. While their life started out rough, they are some of the lucky ones who will get to live full lives in a natural environment.

Woodstock Farm Sanctuary hopes to educate people on the heartbreaking reality of factory farming and encourage people to become vegan to save animals from suffering. They use non-graphic images to explain how chickens are used for eggs and farmed for flesh.

They also shared that Cornish chickens “are also among the most gentle and funny animals at the Sanctuary – many people have Cornish chickens as house companions because they are known for their gregarious personalities and ability to live with humans, dogs, and cats.”

Meet some of the 380 rescued farm animals who live at the sanctuary here.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog