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Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary

WTOP Staff | WTOP_Web_Team@wtop.com

July 30, 2013, 2:30 PM

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These chicks were found abandoned by the side of the road in Alexandria, Va. (WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
They had been shipped across the country in crates, and were still in their original packaging when the authorities found them. (WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
Terry Cummings, director of Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary, says they appeared to be just a few days old. (WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
Cummings says abandoning chicks has become a big problem in the region. (WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
The new refugees will spend the rest of their lives at Poplar Spring, Cummings says. (WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
They will not be slaughtered or sold. (WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
And their eggs will be given to carnivorous wildlife, such as foxes and raccoons. They will not be sold to humans for consumption. (WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
Once the baby chicks are old enough and have been screened for disease, they will be transferred to this coop to live with the other hens and roosters. (WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
Hens tend to mate with only one rooster, while roosters mate with several hens. Sometimes fights break out and the animals have to be separated. (WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
If hens and roosters don't get along with others, they will be separated from the general population and placed in these private homes. (WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
One of the roosters now living at the animal sanctuary was found crossing Connecticut Avenue by the National Zoo. (WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
They named that rooster Russell Crowe. (WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
This Japanese silkie chicken is a rare breed. The species is coveted for its soft feathers, which resemble fur. (WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
Her name is Audrey, and she enjoys being petted. (WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
Other animals live at Poplar Spring, including many goats and other wildlife. (WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
Even groundhogs get their homes. This one even has a sign above its "door" that reads, "Home sweet hole." (WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
Poplar Spring is situated on 400 acres in Poolesville, Md. (WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
The sanctuary accepts volunteers, and also hosts events throughout the year. There will be an open house and fundraiser Oct. 6. More information can be found here. (WTOP/Alicia Lozano)
WTOP/Alicia Lozano
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The sanctuary takes in unwanted and abandoned animals from the region.

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