Six before 2026 - The Chickens' Wishlist!

Liz Wheeler
6 days ago
3 min read

$2,500 raised in the Winter Online Auction

We're only $405 away from our goal of raising $2,500 in our Winter Online Auction. With 99 items donated by over 20 incredible businesses and supporters. So... what does $2,500 mean to us? It helps cover the $800 vet bill from Snowflake & Rolo's recent vet visits and ear infection medications. The remaining funds will be saved for (inevitable) future vet bills.

Chickpea & Tofu are Gifted a Playhouse

If you've ever visited the sanctuary, you may have seen that each flock has an adorable playhouse in their runs. The only flock that doesn't have one is Chickpea & Tofu. Now that they have an expanded outdoor space, we'd love for them to be able to have the same play structure that their friends have. Our hope is that they'll spend more time perching, exploring, and gaining confidence in their new space!

Snowflake Gets her First Monthly Sponsor

This month, we welcomed a new rescue hen, Snowflake! Snowflake was the last surviving hen of her flock, a part of the UrbanHensTO program. When we advised Toronto councillors against the pilot a couple of years ago, this is what we worried about most: what happens after? Luckily, Snowflake is a fit for the rescue chickens we already have responsibility for, but there are others we can’t take. Snowflake is 5 years old and will spend her retirement years with us, eventually joining Oscar & Mocha. But sweet Snowy doesn't yet have a monthly sponsor - we're hoping someone will be her BFF. Is it you?

A New Business Partner Donates to the Chickens

We're always surprised when a business contacts us to let us know they want to donate to support the work we're doing. We know just how hard those businesses work to be successful, and for them to share their success with us is one of the greatest joys. This year, we've been so thankful to have the support of Bestowed Cards, Birch Jewellery, Keepin' it Vegan, Rachel Therrien Accounting, and Vegan Supply Co. A donation is so much more than just a financial lifeline to the chickens - it's trust and friendship and expanding the circle of compassion for chickens. If you have a business and you're considering contributing to a non-profit this year, consider this your sign!

Someone tries a Chicken and Egg-Free Holiday

You know we're all about saving chickens. Sadly, we can't save them all. While we are so humbled to be the caretakers of 22 incredible roosters and hens, we know there are hundreds of thousands we'll never get to show our love and compassion to. That's why our wishlist includes saving another chicken. This can be done by any one of you. So what we're hoping for is just one person to try a chicken and egg-free holiday. You can get some recipe ideas from our What The Flock?! Fridays campaign or our Pinterest list.

Welcome a New Animal Care Volunteer

The most hands-on and direct work with our sanctuary is done through helping to ensure our chickens’ coops are clean and tidy! These chores might not be glamorous, but you’ll be sure to win over the hearts of our flock with your dedication. Tasks include:

Scooping out pine shavings and replacing them with clean bedding.
Cleaning feed and water bowls.
Dusting and vacuuming crevices.
Wiping down walls.
And, of course, offering special treats to the chickens!

We are urgently seeking additional help on weekday mornings (between 8-10am) and evenings (between 2-5pm).

If you're in a position to make the chickens' wishes come true this holiday season, please visit secondhandstories.ca/holiday!