Abandoned Chicks: Delaware Shelter Seeks Help After USPS Delivery Disaster

Michael

3 min read

Post on May 21, 2025

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Abandoned Chicks: Delaware Shelter Overwhelmed After USPS Delivery Disaster

A Delaware animal shelter is desperately seeking help after a disastrous USPS delivery left them inundated with hundreds of abandoned baby chicks. The unexpected arrival has stretched their resources to the breaking point, highlighting the critical need for community support and raising questions about the responsibility of shipping live animals.

The incident unfolded last week when the Brandywine Valley SPCA (BVSPCA) received a delivery of over 300 unclaimed baby chicks. The birds, intended for a third party, were mistakenly sent to the shelter via USPS, leaving the BVSPCA scrambling to provide emergency care. These tiny, vulnerable creatures arrived stressed, dehydrated, and in need of immediate attention.

"This was completely unexpected," stated Adam Lamb, CEO of the BVSPCA. "We're a shelter primarily focused on cats and dogs, and suddenly we're facing a chick crisis of epic proportions. Our staff has been working tirelessly around the clock, but we desperately need the public's help."

The Urgent Need for Resources

The sheer number of chicks presents a significant challenge. The BVSPCA requires a massive influx of resources to ensure the chicks' survival:

• Brooder Space: Providing adequate warmth and space for hundreds of chicks requires significant brooder space, specialized heating lamps, and clean bedding.
• Food and Water: Constantly supplying fresh food and water for this many chicks is a monumental task, requiring large quantities of chick starter feed and waterers.
• Veterinary Care: Some chicks arrived injured or weak, necessitating immediate veterinary attention and medication.
• Volunteer Support: The BVSPCA is urgently seeking volunteers to assist with feeding, cleaning, and monitoring the chicks.

The Perils of Shipping Live Animals

This incident highlights the inherent risks of shipping live animals through the postal service. The journey can be stressful and potentially fatal for vulnerable creatures like baby chicks. Experts recommend avoiding shipping live animals unless absolutely necessary, and when doing so, using specialized, temperature-controlled transport services designed for the safe transport of animals. [Link to ASPCA article on responsible pet transport]

How You Can Help

The BVSPCA is appealing to the community for assistance. You can help in several ways:

• Donate: Financial donations can help cover the costs of food, bedding, veterinary care, and other essential supplies. [Link to BVSPCA donation page]
• Volunteer: If you have experience caring for poultry, your skills are urgently needed. Contact the BVSPCA to volunteer your time. [Link to BVSPCA volunteer page]
• Spread Awareness: Share this story with your network to raise awareness of the situation and encourage others to help.

This unexpected influx of chicks is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by animal shelters, and the importance of responsible animal handling and transport. The BVSPCA’s dedication to providing care for these abandoned birds showcases their commitment to animal welfare, but they cannot do it alone. The community's support is crucial in ensuring the survival of these hundreds of tiny, vulnerable creatures. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the unexpected consequences of poorly planned shipments, urging for greater care and consideration when shipping live animals.