In June 2017, Tracey escaped a slaughterhouse in downtown Detroit when he was only 5 weeks old. Known as a “broiler chicken”, Tracey was selectively bred to gain weight rapidly in order to be slaughtered between 5 and 7 weeks old for a quick profit.
Oftentimes, broiler chickens like Tracey are crammed into dark, windowless sheds with tens of thousands of other chickens with little room to perform behaviors that come naturally to them. Thanks to Tracey’s determination, he escaped, eventually ending up at Barn Sanctuary.
At two years old, chickens like Tracey are considered geriatric because they’re bred specifically to eat constantly and at a rapid rate and often collapse under their own weight from growing too quickly that their leg muscles cannot keep up.
To ensure Tracey stays happy and healthy, we monitor his food intake and provide medications, herbal supplements, and specialized care to address inflammation and pain from his genetics.
Now 5-years-old, Tracey is still enjoying life at Barn Sanctuary and is the September Animal of the Month! He loves neck scratches, his human friends, and Frances, his Barn Buddy.
