Meet the Hens!

Asher, Frida, Janis, and Violet are our remaining members of a remarkable rescue that gave hundreds of hens a second chance. In April 2024, a Craigslist ad listing "laying machines" for $10 each sparked a grassroots rescue effort led by local activists and the vegan community. Over the following weeks, approximately 435 hens were saved from a commercial egg facility housing more than 6,000 birds, with rescuers determined not to leave a single hen behind. Wildwood welcomed 33 of these hens, who spent their quarantine with one of our dedicated board members before joining the sanctuary. Today, these girls continue to thrive, enjoying a life filled with sunshine, dust baths, fresh grass, and the freedom to simply be chickens. After a lifetime of being valued only for what they could produce, they are now loved for who they are.

Harriet is a rescued battery cage hen who has traded a life of confinement for the comfort and safety of sanctuary. These days, she enjoys the simple pleasures of having a cozy nesting box to call her own and prefers to spend plenty of time there undisturbed.

Harriet has a strong personality and isn't afraid to let everyone know when she's protecting her favorite spot. She can be a little territorial and broody, but she also knows when it's time to step out for something important... treats!

Dorothy came to Wildwood after being surrendered by her caretaker and has been enjoying the safety and comfort of sanctuary life. She is still a little shy around people, but her curiosity (and love of treats!) often brings her a little closer to the action. The tiniest member of the flock, Dorothy, more than makes up for her size with her speed and personality. She is quick on her feet and always ready to zip around with her flock mates.

Goldie, a beautiful Buff Orpington, came to Wildwood as a surrender alongside her friend Poppy. While she prefers to stay in the background and let the more outgoing hens take center stage, Goldie is always paying attention from a distance. Her quiet nature doesn't stop her from knowing when treats are being handed out. Before you know it, she'll quietly sneak over to see if there's a snack waiting just for her. Gentle, observant, and content to do things Goldie's way.

Ari, our “Pop Star,” came to Wildwood after her family was no longer able to care for her following a raccoon attack that left her caretaker understandably shaken. She was originally part of a small flock of three adopted hens, and she found her way to sanctuary life where she could feel safe again. From the moment she arrived, Ari made herself known as one of the chattiest girls around. Her constant conversations and use of her beautiful voice inspired her name, paying tribute to vegan pop star Ariana Grande. 

Poppy came to Wildwood alongside Goldie after their caretaker was no longer able to care for them. She was around three years old when she arrived and quickly settled into sanctuary life, enjoying the company of the other hens. Small but mighty, Poppy is a tiny and speedy member of the flock who always seems to know when treats are being offered. She’s often one of the first hens to arrive for snack time, ready to see what’s available. Sweet, quick, and full of personality, Poppy is a wonderful reminder that the smallest hens can have the biggest presence.

The Spice Girls—June, Henrietta, Dorothy Z, and Chick Jagger—came to Wildwood after a rescue mission to the mountains of Amity, Oregon. A group of Wildwood volunteers responded to a call from a concerned neighbor after the property’s owner had fallen ill and the birds were left without the care they needed. Thanks to that call for help, these girls made their way to Wildwood and were welcomed into a safe and loving home. Named by the public, June, Henrietta, Dorothy Z, and Chick Jagger each have their own unique personalities and have settled right into the flock. Today, they enjoy the simple pleasures of sanctuary life, exploring, socializing, and getting to just be chickens.

Beulah came to Wildwood after being rescued from a “free-range” egg farm. When her egg production slowed, she was no longer considered useful and was scheduled to be slaughtered. Thankfully, Beulah had been given a second chance and now gets to enjoy life. Beulah is a curious little lady with a big personality. She loves blueberries, grape halves, and keeping the younger hens in line—because someone has to make sure everyone is behaving! She’s also known for her adorable feathered legs, affectionately called her “pantaloons,” which we secretly believe give her an extra boost when she’s running around the sanctuary.

Mariposa came to Wildwood alongside her rooster companion, Cebra, after one of our volunteers stepped in to rescue them and take responsibility for their care when a family member could no longer look after them. The bonded pair had spent most of their lives confined to a cage, with little opportunity to explore, socialize, or simply enjoy life as chickens should.

Today, Mariposa is getting to experience a whole new world. She has moved up to the Hen House, where she’s joined a flock of new friends. Mariposa is bold, curious, and loves hanging with her humans! While she absolutely adores Cebra, Mariposa now lives with her fellow hens so she can stay safe and healthy. We’re so happy to see her stretching her wings, finding her voice, and enjoying the freedom and enrichment she deserves.