by Thousands of chicks were found abandoned in a U.S. Postal Service truck in Camden, Delaware, causing a major crisis for a local animal shelter.
The birds, left without food or water for three days, are now overwhelming First State Animal Center and SPCA, which is scrambling to provide care and rehome the survivors.
What Happened
Earlier this month, approximately 12,000 chicks were discovered inside a USPS truck at a mail distribution center in Delaware.
The birds had been trapped in the truck for three days without food or water.
Thousands of chicks died from exposure and starvation before they were found.
The surviving birds were sent to First State Animal Center and SPCA in Camden.
Key Details
- The chicks originated from Freedom Ranger Hatchery in Pennsylvania.
- They were en route to various clients across the country as part of a routine distribution.
- Due to biosecurity protocols, the hatchery could not accept the chicks back.
- The USPS acknowledged a “process breakdown” and launched an internal investigation.
- First State Animal Center has been caring for the remaining birds since their arrival.
Reactions or Statements
John Parana, executive director of the shelter, stated the facility has been operating 24/7 due to the overwhelming number of animals.
Parana estimates more than 2,000 chicks remain at the shelter, though no accurate count exists.
He confirmed that some callers inquired about adopting chicks for meat purposes — all were denied in line with the shelter’s no-kill policy.
Freedom Ranger Hatchery criticized USPS’s handling of the situation, saying that the chicks should have been delivered to their final recipients, who were equipped to care for them.
Investigation or What’s Next
The Delaware Department of Agriculture became involved after USPS contacted them.
The department directed the shelter to accept the birds under a state vendor agreement.
Officials are negotiating financial assistance. The standard reimbursement rate is $5 per bird per day, though this rate may be reconsidered due to the volume.
Jimmy Kroon, the department’s chief of planning, said efforts are underway to seek compensation from USPS.
Parana, however, stressed that these negotiations do not solve the shelter’s urgent need for immediate funding and resources.
FAQs
Q: Why were the chicks abandoned?
A: The cause is still under investigation. USPS acknowledged a process failure but has not released full details.
Q: How many chicks survived?
A: An estimated 2,000+ chicks survived, though no exact count is available.
Q: Can people adopt the chicks?
A: Yes, the shelter has begun offering the chicks for adoption to responsible individuals.
Q: Why can’t the hatchery take them back?
A: Due to strict biosecurity measures, Freedom Ranger Hatchery cannot reintroduce chicks once they’ve left the facility.
Q: Is any government help being provided?
A: The Delaware Department of Agriculture is in talks to help fund the shelter but hasn’t yet provided direct aid.
Summary / Final Takeaway
The abandonment of thousands of chicks in a USPS truck has sparked an animal welfare emergency in Camden, Delaware.
First State Animal Center and SPCA is doing its best to manage the crisis, but resources are stretched thin.
While investigations continue and state support remains uncertain, the shelter is urgently seeking help from the public and potential adopters to give these animals a second chance.
