CAMDEN, Del. — In a mail mishap that’s more scrambled than sunny-side up, over 12,000 baby chicks were left roasting in a USPS truck for three days. No food, no water, no AC—just a whole lotta peeping panic. By the time someone cracked open the truck, thousands had died.
How Did This Happen?
The chicks were part of a regular shipment from Freedom Ranger Hatchery in Pennsylvania, headed to farms across the country. But somewhere along the postal route, things went fowl. The truck sat at a Delaware distribution center, forgotten like last week’s leftovers. The USPS admitted to a “process breakdown” and is investigating.
Survivors Find New Homes
Miraculously, over 5,000 chicks survived the ordeal. The First State Animal Center and SPCA in Camden took them in, turning their shelter into a makeshift barnyard. Families, farms, and rescue groups flocked to adopt the survivors. One local mom said her daughter was so upset by the news, they just had to help.
No Return to Sender
Due to biosecurity rules, the hatchery couldn’t take the chicks back. So, the shelter staff worked around the clock, using their own money to care for the birds. They even made sure adopters weren’t planning to turn the chicks into nuggets.
Bigger Issues in the Industry
This isn’t just a one-time oopsie. Every year, millions of chicks are shipped through the mail. While most make it, deaths from poor transport aren’t rare. The meat industry often treats animals like products, not living beings. And with minimal federal protections for poultry, incidents like this highlight a system that’s more about profit than welfare.
Final Cluck: “If the mail can’t handle chicks, maybe they should stick to letters.”
Disclaimer: This article is based on reports from the Associated Press and other reputable sources. No information has been fabricated or exaggerated.
