5 Questions with wendell

​​Wendell's special spirit inspires us all...

About Wendell
Wendell came to us as a chick who was going to be destroyed due to neurological issues. We named the chick Wendy after our friend sought sanctuary for this special chick. As Wendy grew, her neurological issues didn’t improve. Our vet found her to be in good health otherwise. Of course, as time went on, we found out "Wendy" was actually a handsome rooster--so we started calling him Wendell. 

An Interview with Wendell the Rooster

Q1:  Why do you move your head around so strangely?
A1:   I was born with neurological issues that cause that, but it doesn't keep me from enjoying the simple pleasures in life, like the sun on my feathers, and hugs and petting from the River's Wish volunteers. 

Q2:  Who is your best friend at River's Wish?
A2:   I actually have two! My best buds are Mr. McBeevee Theo Hawkeye Roo (I just call him Theo) and Belle. They are both awesome. 

Q3:  What is your favorite thing to do?
A3.  I love being held and taking dust baths. You might think it's odd that a rooster loves being held, but it's pretty common. We love being pet and snuggled, just like any other animal. 

Q4:  What is one thing that people don't know about you?
A4:   I have been the subject of several works of art. I don’t want to brag or anything, but people find me ridiculously good looking. I really can’t argue…

Q5:  What do you want people to know about roosters?
A5. Roosters are one of the most misunderstood and discarded animals. It's sad. Every summer River's Wish receives multiple calls asking us to take in someone's rooster from their backyard flock of chicks they purchased at the feed store. When they learn that one or more of the chicks is a rooster, they often find that they are not zoned for roosters or that they don't want roosters. This is one of the saddest aspects of backyard flocks. The boys are unwanted.

In the egg industry, they are treated even worse. It's a disturbing and terrible fact, but millions of male chicks are ground alive on their first day of life. Females live out a bleak existence, often kept in cramped, polluted quarters to produce eggs. They are then replaced at about two years old. The majority of the hens who have outgrown their use are then killed.

But what can we do?
It can feel overwhelming and hopeless sometimes, but there are steps you can take to make a difference. Here are some suggestions:

• Adopt, don’t shop. This mantra has been true with cats and dogs for years, but chickens, rabbits, pigs, goats, horses and more are no different. Local animal sanctuaries and shelters often have chickens available for adoption.
• If you aren’t already vegan, consider this lifestyle change. Or, start small by trying a “Meatless Monday”. There are many vegan chicken-flavored products that are tasty and healthy alternatives to meat. 
• Support local sanctuaries and animals shelters. Your donation, no matter how small, allows these organizations to continue their work with your support. 
• Visit me at River's Wish! Over the coming months, we'll be having some small, safe, and socially distanced events at the sanctuary, and you can meet me! You'll see how amazing I am. Keep your eye on our Facebook Events page. 

In our society, birds have the least amount of protection and are exploited at an increasingly rapid pace. If you’d like to learn more about this cruel industry, read more here. Thanks for reading my interview and caring about me and all my friends at River's Wish! 

If you'd like to sponsor Wendell or one of his friends at River's Wish, click the button below to find out more. 

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