2023-2024

If the measure of a good life can be indicated by the impact one has on those around them, and the hearts they have touched, then our beloved little chicken Roxanne lived an incredible life.

Roxanne came to the sanctuary in need of a home after she was returned to a farm store because she was a bit scrawny, and not very healthy. They kept the rest of her family, and so she was also very sad and lonely when she arrived. She was however, sweet, funny, and a little awkward. Over the next several months, the awkward chicken stole everyone’s heart and became the center of attention.

Roxanne soon appointed herself Barn Manager, and took her duty of inspecting the chicken coop after it was cleaned, very seriously.  She became the official greeter and was the first to run up to her caregivers and guests. She was okay with being picked up but had a 3-second-rule for being held. She loved nesting in the bushes, hanging out with the donkeys and exploring the llama pasture.  Roxanne was a brave soul who loved to adventure.  She enjoyed grubs, blueberries & long summer days, and due to real pecking order, she was always the last to go in at night, waiting on the top of the coop for her turn. She developed close relationships with her chicken sisters, but remained an independent gal hanging with the people.

Despite all of the protective measures we have in place at the sanctuary, a raptor found it’s way into their pasture and she was attacked. She was able to get away, because chickens can hold up a good fight and have a strong will to live, but her injuries were too severe to overcome, and our incredible care staff and our Vet could not save her. She was cared for until the end in their arms, sharing a heartbeat and words of reassurance.  Roxanne knew she was safe and loved as she passed.

The loss of Roxanne is felt by all of us.  We miss bringing her extra grubs to the yard, we miss having to convince her that it is time for bed, we miss watching her adventures, we miss not having her critique while cleaning, and we miss not being welcomed to the yard each day by her quirky little run. Many people might think “she is just a chicken”. But Roxanne was an ambassador for chickens everywhere, and she was our dear friend. We promise to continue supplying blueberries and cleaning the coop just to your specifications, Roxanne.