Look at this wild child. This is Beaker. He came to us a couple weeks ago with a group of little chicks who were at very high risk of being killed. They are growing up together and once we are able to sex them, they will likely be placed at other sanctuaries. But this kid is somethin’ else. He has a little bit of a crossbeak which I think means I need to keep him… right? RIGHT?!

Beaker and their friends moved outside today. It was time. They are all growing up. Their coop is well heated but they needed to get out before the temps drop TOO far so they can get acclimated. Chickens like Beaker really shouldn’t even live in our climate. They are all cute but they aren’t functional - their feathers don’t protect them from much. It’s really unfair to these breeds. We ended up converting one of our old FeLV sheds into a chicken coop for this group so they have power and heat and a large building that they won’t need to leave on the cold days.

Beaker prefers to stand IN his food while he eats, to get the full experience. He also likes to get bits of it stuck to every part of his face.

Beaker is THE most ridiculous tiny person. He is a neck-less explosion of feathers with a crossbeak and there has never been anyone more perfect. The funny thing is that Beaker was deemed “imperfect” and that’s really why he’s here. Boys are useless to most backyard chicken keepers. And who wants one with a crossbeak?! He can’t be bred because of it and therefore can’t be used. But Beaker is so much more than his “value” to humans. He is valuable simply because he is someone. His life is important. Just like all roosters. Just like all beings. Just like you.

Beaker being the best boy for his health check up today!

Recently Beaker had been getting chased away a bit and sleeping at the end of his perch, far from his bachelor flock. The head rooster wasn’t letting him near everyone else during the day. In chicken speak, this usually means something’s wrong. Beaker wasn’t acting sick at all. He still seemed normal and healthy. But chickens instinctually eliminate the weak ones so any time there’s a change in flock dynamic, we pay attention! We took Beaker into the vet for an exam and sent out some bloodwork. We got his bloodwork back and the only thing it shows is mild dehydration! We added a couple extra water dishes to make sure that he still has access even if he gets chased off. In the meantime, Beaker has been sleeping with everyone else again, part of the crew during the day and still acting quite normal.