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Adopt a Chicken

Hello, I'm Dorothy the chicken and you can adopt me!

When I first arrived at Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary, I was in a bit of a sorry state. You see, I’d spent my life in a small cramped cage laying eggs for the egg industry, along with hundreds of other hens just like me.

Anyway, that’s all in the past now. Here at the sanctuary, I’ve made myself a brand new bunch of friends. Here we all have the opportunity to flap our wings, run around and dustbathe in our favourite spots. The highlight of my day is the daily delivery of fresh fruit and veg from our lovely volunteers.

Adopt a chicken

Start your chicken adoption today

What’s included:

Adoptions start from just £30 each, and include:

A personalised chicken adoption certificate from our founders

A framed photograph of Dorothy the chicken

A beautiful Welsh slate coaster engraved with Dorothy’s footprint design

A recipe card featuring a delicious plant-based dish to create at home​

A Goodheart fridge magnet, pen, and sheet of stickers ​

Plus regular email updates from Dorothy the chicken throughout the year!

Please note, aspects of the box may differ slightly from the above image, for example, the style of pen or photo in the frame but all items listed will be included. We use real straw in our adoption boxes. If you prefer we didn’t in yours, then please get in touch by emailing info@goodheart.org.uk

Click the button below to buy a Dorothy the Chicken Adoption Box as a gift. We can either deliver it to you to give in person, or directly to your recipient. There’s also the option to add a gift message to the box free of charge.

Learn about chicken care at our sanctuary

We care for a number of rescued chickens here at Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary, many of whom have come from the laying industry.

Join Animal Care Assistant Izzy and Dorothy the hen to learn all about the high standard of care we give all of our rescued chickens here at the sanctuary. 

"Flockdown" lifts for our chickens, geese and turkeys

On 1st of April 2021, Avian Flu restrictions were lifted, meaning that our rescued birds could be let out again after nearly four months of lockdown!

It makes us very happy to see them out enjoying the sanctuary to its fullest once again! 💚💚💚

Fascinating facts about chickens

A mother hen communicates with her chick even when they are still in their shells - and the chick even speaks back!

When threatened, a group of chickens sometimes gang up and attack a potential predator. There have been reports of chickens attacking hawks and even foxes!

Chickens are omnivores. In the wild they would eat a diet of seeds, berries, insects and even small lizards and rodents!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I adopt a chicken?

You can adopt Dorothy the chicken via the links above, or by clicking here to go directly through to the order form. Click here to adopt a chicken as a gift.

Can I name a rescued chicken?

Yes! We do occasionally rescue chickens which need names. To find out more, take a look at our ‘Name a rescued chicken’ page, which has all the details.

Can I keep a chicken as a pet?

Chickens are friendly, sociable creatures and adopting one as a pet can be a very rewarding experience. However, we recommend doing a lot of research before adoption a chicken as a pet, in order to understand how to create safe and secure housing, and provide them with the care and attention they deserve.

If you are interested in adopting a chicken as a pet, we recommend doing so through The British Hen Welfare Trust.

Can I visit the rescued chickens at the sanctuary?

Yes! Our friendly flock of chickens can be seen at Goodheart Farm Animal Sanctuary enjoying a life of happiness and freedom. Head to our Visit Us page to book your visit now.