Farm Animal Rescue's first rescue
This is Bubble. He was our very first rescue back in 2012. Seen by some as a 'noise nuisance' and unwanted, he was placed under a destruction order by Brisbane City Council. But we saw him for the unique individual he is, and he is now extraordinarily lucky to be living his life at the sanctuary.
Bubble can be plucky and protective one moment, and then you can find him enjoying a cuddle with one of the volunteers the next, or snuggling into a bed made for dogs. Just like a dog, he seeks comfort, safety and happiness, and needs our protection. Roosters like Bubble are so much more than a 'noise nuisance'. We remain captivated by his life long love affair with Squeak the duck, for whom he is smitten, and delight at his unstoppable enjoyment of life, free and easy, roaming the sanctuary grounds unfettered, spontaneous, uninhibited, and safe.
An ambassador for roosters
Bubble is an ambassador for all unwanted roosters out there looking for their forever home, a tiny few which make their way to our adoption network. However, we find it very difficult to find homes for the quantities of roosters.
Because of egg consumption, equal numbers of egg laying hens and roosters are hatched each year. Therefore, for just about every hen there is a dead or unwanted rooster. While the commercial food industry simply destroys roosters the day they are born, many people who run home-based flocks are more likely to attempt to re-home, or simply dump, roosters. Because of zoning and permits required, there are very few homes that accommodate roosters, and those that can usually already have them.
Farm animals available for adoption through our sanctuary may be from factory farms, sale yards, slaughterhouses, shelters, veterinary clinics or saved from being “strays” from the council like Bubble presumably was. Many unwanted roosters even come from school hatching projects, which still go on today, which often result in an innocent animal, through no fault of his own, with a bleak future.
If you have a rooster permit and can provide roosters just like Bubble a forever home, please click here
When growing old is wonderful
In 2022 Bubble started to show his age and became blind in one eye. Once his good eye also became problematic due to cataracts, we sought medical help to restore his eyesight. Due to the financial help of his sponsor and our supporters, we were able to provide him with cataract surgery and after some time he recovered enough to be able to see again. We were so grateful to the vets who afforded him this specialised surgery, gifting him his eyesight again for the remainder of his life.
Bubble spent his final few months looking after a small flock of the weaker, compromised females in a special enclosure, so that he could be both protected and feel safe, whilst still enjoying life.
In March 2023, now an old man, he passed away peacefully one night, surrounded by his best friends, and on a soft bed of hay.
In the poultry industry, non-egg-laying roosters such as Bubble are mostly considered "wastage" and are killed at one day old. Therefore "suffering" from old age was a privilege for Bubble, and his cherished life causes us to also reflect should we find ourselves complaining about getting older or the aging process.
Bubbles' life is a reminder that growing old is a natural part of life and a right for every living creature. But it is a privilege not afforded to roosters in the egg industry.
Thanks to his kind and generous sponsor and our compassionate supporters, he lived for 4015 blissful days (11 years) at Farm Animal Rescue experiencing freedom, sunshine, nutritious food, medical care, and a flock to look after, with everything that was important to him.
Although he may no longer be with us, Bubble's legacy will continue to inspire us to advocate for animal rights and to treat all creatures with kindness and compassion.
Rest in peace, Bubble. Your life was truly worthwhile, and you will be missed by all who knew you.
