Molly and Chloe

The first two broiler chickens I ever cared for were named Molly and Chloe. I named them after my favourite characters in “A Country Practice” (An Australian drama series). They loved each other dearly and were never apart. Molly and Chloe were rescued from a chicken transport truck (pictured below) on the way to an abattoir, the other baby chickens on that truck met the fate of a terrified death and their bodies were then eaten by humans.

Molly and Chloe showed me how sensitive and emotional broiler chickens are. The bonds they make with their fellow chicken friends and their humans carers are incredibly strong. These chickens feel emotions so very deeply. Chloe was never very well and after only a few months with us, she had a stroke. Molly never left her side, even whilst I nursed Chloe, Molly was always there, sleeping with Chloe and talking to her in a motherly way. I once found Molly sleeping next to Chloe with her wing stretched over her. These two girls were just babies, having being rescued at 5 weeks old, yet they still understood their love for each other more than most humans do.

Chloe passed away not long after she had her stroke and Molly was devastated. She grieved so deeply. Poor Molly was lost for weeks, until she found friendship with on of our newer broiler chicken arrivals. Molly passed away at 6 months of age from heart failure. Her body got so big because the chicken meat industry selectively breeds meat chickens to grow as big as possible in the shortest amount of time possible.

Two sweeter girls I may never meet. They are now free to be together forever. Best friends forever.

Please don’t use my images without permission. All images are Copyright Tamara Kenneally.