Shipment of thousands of chicks found abandoned in USPS truck now overwhelming an animal shelter

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Shipment of thousands of chicks found abandoned in USPS truck now overwhelming an animal shelter

The Associated Press
May 19, 2025, 5:36 PM


Abandoned Chicks. Hundreds of chicks mill around a stall at First State Animal Center and SPCA on Friday, May 16, 2025, in Camden, Del. (AP Photo/Mingson Lab)
(AP Photo/Mingson Lab)

CAMDEN, Delaware (AP) — A Delaware animal shelter is trying to care for and rehome thousands of chicks that survived being left in a postal service truck for three days. Trapped in a warm enclosure, without food and water, thousands died before they were discovered.

Involved parties are still awaiting answers as to how 12,000 chicks were abandoned within the truck at a Delaware mail distribution center. The United States Postal Service said in an email that it was aware of a process breakdown and was actively investigating what occurred.

Pennsylvania-based Freedom Ranger Hatchery raised the chicks for their weekly distribution to clients across the country, said a spokesperson for the company. Due to biosecurity concerns, the hatchery cannot take the chicks back.

{snip}