The rescued broiler chickens that are learning how to walk again

These broiler chickens are learning how to walk again, thanks to this ingenious device dreamed up by a volunteer at Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary.

When the rescue birds arrived at the Antrim animal sanctuary, they were overweight and filthy as a result of the grim lives they had led in the intensive broiler chicken system. Some were grossly overweight and had difficulty walking.

But the rescue centre says it has proved sceptics wrong who warned that it was a waste of time trying to rehabilitate rescued broiler chickens.

It says the broiler chickens it has taken in have been transformed into affectionate, inquisitive birds, a far cry from the aggressive chickens they had been warned to expect when they launched their rehabilitation bid.

Broiler chickens, which are slaughtered for meat at the age of 50 days, are not usually considered suitable for rehabilitation - but the Antrim sanctuary decided to try to prove the naysayers wrong.

Some of the 24 chickens the charity took in were too ill to survive, thanks to the gruelling intensive conditions under which they had been reared, but many are now losing excess weight and regaining feathers.

Spokesperson Janet Watt says they also receive physiotherapy and even have their own exercise frame, designed by one of the volunteers, to help the birds that have walking difficulties to  build muscle mass, strengthen their limbs and gradually increase restricted mobility.

The birds often suffer heart conditions as they are bred and raised for meat production and are typically fed a corn-rich diet.

“These amazing birds are so very pleasant and affectionate and bear no  resemblance to the aggressive, unpleasant birds we had been told to expect,” Janice said.

Janice says people are fascinated with the sanctuary’s experiment, with many people stopping off to ask how the broiler chickens are getting on.

“Those that do visit the Sanctuary find themselves greeted by excited, curious and very vocal birds, who flock to the gates, ever hopeful of receiving a tasty morsel or two,” she said.

“People have donated feed, meal-worms, grapes, blueberries, strawberries and various vegetables, all of which they love and these are hand-fed to them daily, by the centre manager, Lyn Friel and her dedicated team of  volunteers."

One of the flock,  Bertie the Rooster, is being treated for a heart complaint by specialist chicken vets Jubilee Vets in Newtownards.

“Six of our residents have been re-homed by one of our supporters Lynda Palmer, who is happy to continue the Crosskennan regime with her new flock and this will involve monitoring their condition, egg-laying capabilities and longevity,” Janice said.

“Crosskennan are also continuing to monitor the original broiler chickens so that they can provide prospective re-homers with a better idea of what to expect from their new birds.

“There are only a few chickens currently available for re-homing, but more will be in need of loving forever homes in the very near future.

“Anyone interested in offering these exceptional birds a home should contact the Sanctuary on 028 94 465384, Monday-Friday 10 - 2pm, to arrange a meet and greet session with our feathered friends.

“The chickens are still sleeping in temporary accommodation and all donations to help the Sanctuary raise the necessary funds to build a permanent residence, will be greatly received and can be made via our Facebook page.”