A chicken found wrapped in a plastic carrier bag and thrown into a public rubbish bin has made a remarkable recovery after being rescued by a refuse collector in Winchester.
The bird was discovered early Wednesday morning by Richard Colgrave, who was completing his waste collection rounds around 7 a.m. When he opened the bin, he initially thought the chicken was dead — but then saw a faint movement.
“He was disgusted and angered by what he found,” said his daughter Gemma Fullick-Colgrave. “He put the chicken in his truck to warm her up and gave her some food and water while finishing his route.”
After contacting Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and the RSPCA for advice, Gemma decided to hand the weakened bird over to a local family friend, Louis Page, who already kept chickens.
“When I first saw her, she was in a terrible state,” Gemma recalled. “She was freezing, pale, and barely conscious — I think she was on the brink of death.”
Louis Page said he was “glad to be rehoming this chick,” adding, “At first she was shy and nervous, but she’s started to move around, eat, and settle in with the other hens.”
Now safe in her new Hampshire home, the once-abandoned bird has begun her second chance at life.
An RSPCA spokesperson condemned the act of abandonment, noting that animal neglect cases are on the rise. “We’re saddened to hear of this chicken being dumped like this, but grateful she’s now safe,” the spokesperson said. “Chickens can make rewarding pets, but they require time, care, and commitment to ensure a lifelong home.”
The RSPCA reported earlier this year that incidents of animal cruelty across England and Wales had risen by a third in 2024.