Franklin County couple rescues 50 hens facing euthanization

Dozens of chickens were recently given a new lease on life thanks to a Franklin County couple.

Earlier in May, an Iowa egg producer announced it would need to get rid of 100,000-plus hens, as the production had run out of money and was unable to feed the animals due to the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the supply chain.

The egg farm announced it was scaling back its operation and may have to euthanize thousands of hens. In order to reduce the number of animals that would have to be destroyed, people were allowed to take hens that would otherwise be euthanized.

Sue Wulf-Flint and Paul Flint, who operate a small egg production near Thornton, loaded up a truck with cages and dog kennels and drove to the distribution site near Fort Dodge.

When they arrived, they saw dozens of other people who had set out on a mission to give the chickens a better fate.

“There were cars and trailers lined up to get chickens and everyone was helping each other,” she said. “There were people from neighboring states, people from all over Iowa and there was even someone with California plates putting some in the back of her car.

“There were 10 to 12 vehicles and everyone was courteous and most gave him (production owner) money for his chickens and feed to try to help out,” she said.

“There was a satisfaction watching people pitch in to save some animals that were going to have to be euthanized,” added Paul. “We feel the satisfaction in helping the farmer, as well as giving the chickens a better life.”

Paul and Sue returned their home with 50 hens for their own farm, as well as a few others for a neighbor. Unfortunately, a few of the chickens perished between the pick-up and the trip, as many were malnourished and stressed.

“Some of the chickens were really rough and weren’t in really good shape,” she said. “We lost a few on the way home and lost some since getting home.”

Sue said that nine of the 50 they received died, but the other 41 have adapted to life in a more free environment. She said before, the hens were confined to cages the size of legal paper and were stacked ten to one cage.

“They have never stretched their wings and slept standing up,” she said. “We quarantined them away from the rest in a separate barn and they were amazed they could stretch their wings. That’s probably all they did the first few days.”

The 41 have joined Paul and Sue’s flock, which now numbers more than 100 chickens. Paul and Sue began their production three years ago, with just seven chickens and added 70 more over the next two years. Sue said, oddly enough, they had just put in an order for 40 more chicks when they were notified of the rescue operation.

The rescued hens are on a different diet than the rest of the flock to improve feather health and also receive electrolytes, vitamins and mineral blocks. They’ve responded well to the healthier, more comfortable lifestyle, Sue said, producing 31 eggs in just the first day they were at their new home.

Sue said the amount of eggs varies week to week and will likely decrease, as the hens were towards the end of their natural egg production cycle. Many are between 18 to 24 months old and hens typically quit laying eggs by the time they are three years old.

The chickens are enjoying their new home and have taken well to the free life. She said they have 15 of the 41 who are allowed to free range and have adapted to the lifestyle.

“They like to hang out with Ralph, our rooster and they eat bugs and flies and mosquitos,” Sue said. “They waltz around and have a great time.”

Sue said watching the rescued birds roam the yard is touching, as it’s apparent they appreciate a chance at a new life.