Free as a Bird: Rescued Chickens find Healing at the Care Farm

In May, the Sanctuary One Care Farm’s animal population grew by 20 overnight.

It’s due to an influx of chickens rescued from a large egg factory outside of Portland. Over the past month and change, the birds have been recuperating at our 55-acre Applegate care farm.

In late April, another rescue called Out To Pasture in Estacada got in touch with Sanctuary One to see if we could take the birds following multiple rescues from the egg laying facility.

Animal Care Manager Colleen Avery was on the phone with rescuers who were inside the facility. “It sounded like there were thousands of birds in there,” Avery said. “It sounded awful…the chaos of the birds while they were trying to rescue them – just total fright because they’re not really used to people.”

Avery committed to 20 hens – all Rhode Island red hens that are each about two years old – and a volunteer from Out To Pasture transported them in seven crates all the way to the Applegate, an “honorable” act, Avery said.

On May 2, they became official Sanctuary One residents. “They’re just starting now to decompress,” Avery said, adding “they are now able to go in and out of their new coop into the sun and grass.”

“They were regarded as nothing more than laying machines. They were living in such tight confinement, and some of them are pretty aggressive toward each other, so we had to separate them out to give them some TLC and get them over the hump. Now they can actually act like chickens.”

They are now up for adoption.

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Sanctuary One

Sanctuary One

Sanctuary One's mission is to provide a refuge for animals & people, in harmony with nature.

2 days ago

Sanctuary One
Come out and tour the care farm! We offer public tours on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:30 am until about noon. Tickets are $10 (children 2 and under are free). During the tour you will be able to meet the animals and see our gardens. You can make a day of it by seeing the McKee Covered Bridge, driving up to Applegate Lake, perhaps a visit to one of the wineries or lavender farms in the valley, and lunch in Ruch. Please register on our website- we look forward to seeing you at the care farm! sanctuaryone.org/visit-volunteer/sanctuary-tours/ ... See MoreSee Less
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3 days ago

Sanctuary One
Recently we had Shearie McShearie's Shearing Service come and shear the wool sheep we have at the care farm, and he did a great job. It's important to shear wool sheep to keep them comfortable and healthy, and he does this in a very stress-free way, and the sheep feel so much better afterward! We also have eight Katahdin sheep staying with us, and they are hair sheep, which means that they do not need to be sheared. Katahdin sheep are adaptable, hardy, and low-maintenance. Ideal for pasture and grass-based systems, Katahdin sheep adapt well to different environments, tolerating heat, humidity, and parasites. Katahdin sheep are docile and easy to handle, with a moderate flocking instinct. Spring is the perfect time to adopt these sweet sheep, with all the new growth. These little "natural lawnmowers" can definitely help you keep your weeds at bay! If you are interested, click this link and fill out an adoption application: sanctuaryone.org/rescue-animals/adopt-us/adoption-application/ ... See MoreSee Less
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3 days ago

Sanctuary One
May is Mental Health Awareness MonthAt Sanctuary One, we believe healing happens when people connect with nature, animals, and each other. Our care farm is more than just a peaceful place—it’s a space where individuals can experience the proven mental health benefits of being outdoors, working with their hands, and forming meaningful connections.Studies show that care farming—therapeutic experiences involving farm activities, animals, and natural settings—can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve self-esteem, and create a sense of belonging. We see this firsthand through our programs that support students, volunteers, service learners, and visitors alike.As tour season kicks off, we invite you to come experience the power of care farming for yourself:🌿 Take a tour of the farm and meet the animals🐾 Volunteer your time in the garden or with animal care🌞 Reconnect with what matters—yourself, your community, and the earthThis Mental Health Awareness Month, let Sanctuary One be a place where wellness takes root.📅 Learn more and schedule your visit: sanctuaryone.org ... See MoreSee Less
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