Fluffy & Dinky - Sanctuary Stories

Jan. 2023 Update: dinky is now on the other side. may she fly free.

This first story is one of humility, restoration, and fierce love. The year began with new chicken residents Fluffy and Dinky. They came from the same guardian who also rescued and surrendered disabled rooster, Phoenix, to us. She desperately needed help as she was in no position to keep these two in her house—she was facing citations from Fluffy’s crowing, and couldn’t afford to keep feeding and caring for them. We were on the fence about bringing in another rooster plus a tiny sebright hen who might get pecked on, but we ultimately decided that we would find a way—and we did.

And as hard as it was for her, too, she displayed great humility in advocating for the two to come here, which showed just how much she cared about them—a lesson we can all learn from.

Intake Day

When we went to pick them up, we immediately noticed the same issues Phoenix had: anemia, lice and mite infestations, and overgrown nails and beaks.

Intake Examination

Though their body condition was good, the level of neglect was evident; they needed help right away.

We got straight to work administering intake exams: trimming Fluffy’s overgrown toenails, spraying them with Frontline, and trimming Dinky’s long beak. Vet checkups were next, and we treated Fluffy for giardia.

With their health restored, we eventually moved the lovebirds into the aviary. They are inseparable, and Fluffy takes great and fierce pride in being Dinky’s man. He tidbits for her and stands against the other birds as her protector. Dinky is small but mighty, though she does rely on support from her guy. Though these two keep to themselves in their own private suite, we hope to give them a little more space and perhaps a separate mini-chicken flock, someday in the new year.

Their story is, sadly, all too similar in the world of animal rescue: kind, well-intentioned people struggle to say no to an animal in need, much to their own and the animal’s detriment. That’s when we extend a helping hand as a legitimate sanctuary. That’s why what we do is far more than just rescuing an animal—we’re helping rescue community members in their time of need. And that’s why we need you.