In September 2023, he was found standing on a city street. As Joe Boo helplessly drooped his head down, he appeared lethargic, dehydrated, and very neglected. Covered in lesions, this vulnerable bird suffered from a severe case of fowl pox.
You Won’t Believe This Rescued Rooster’s Before and After Photos
You Won’t Believe This Rescued Rooster’s Before and After Photos
Looking at Joe Boo rooster today, happily strutting around our Los Angeles sanctuary, one might never know how sick and in desperate need of care he once was.
The street where Joe Boo was found. Credit: Stephanie Rose.
Thankfully, a kind person decided to help and took him to a veterinarian, who offered antibiotics and topical care — but soon after, at home, Joe Boo’s rescuer discovered a large wound under his wing when she saw maggots crawling on the floor around him.
Joe Boo, when first rescued. Credit: Stephanie Rose.
Joe Boo, when first rescued. Credit: Stephanie Rose.
It was clear this rooster needed more help. His rescuer turned to us, and in just a week’s time, Joe Boo was getting healthier, and his lesions were nearly healed. He underwent wing surgery and, then he was on the road to recovery.
Today, Joe Boo is happily adjusting to life at Farm Sanctuary, now his forever home. He is a very sweet, calm guy who adds to the relaxing vibes of his aviary — and it’s hard to believe how different he looks now that he’s happy and healthy.
“When I first heard of Joe Boo’s plight, he pulled hard on my heartstrings. He definitely had the odds stacked against him. He was not only a rooster in a world where they are often unwanted but in such a horrible condition that we weren’t sure he’d make it. Joe Boo took his odds and tossed them to the side,” says Brooke Marshall, Senior Manager of Wellness, Farm Sanctuary LA.
“With medical care and TLC, his turnaround happened unbelievably fast. Before we knew it, we were introducing him to his new friends and enjoying the sound of his crows every morning, his feathers glimmering in the sunlight. I think of him as a miracle rooster, and despite his questionable past, he’s such a nice guy!”
When people visit Farm Sanctuary, they are often surprised by the unique personalities of our rescued chicken residents due to the common misconception that these animals are unintelligent (have you heard the misguided term “bird brain?”). The heartbreaking fact is that nine billion chickens are slaughtered in the U.S. each year, most often viewed only as products.
Chickens are smart and curious animals. They have even been found to understand numerical concepts up to 10 at just a few days old, and chicks know the distinct call of their mothers at hatching. Plus, chickens show each other empathy, and just like humans, they form deep social bonds.
Joe Boo, for example, lives and spends most of his time with his two turkey pals, George and Sandy. This sweet trio has bonded as BFFs (best feathered friends). George and Sandy are older ladies, and his presence seems to have added some pep to their step these days. Joe Boo is especially close to George and can be seen lovingly following her around throughout the day.
We can’t be sure where Joe Boo came from, but he’s no longer walking a lonely road. He will be forever safe and loved with us and his chosen feathered family.
